royal fern
Osmunda regalis
RHS AGM 1993
USDA zones3 to 9
SunHandles full sun to full shade
WaterHandles moderate to wet soil
Size2 to 3 feet tall2 to 3 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Herb , fern
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Not applicable
- Foliage color
- Dark green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Notes
Royal fern (Osmunda regalis) is a fern for rain gardens, shade gardens, and specimen plantings. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full sun to full shade and average to wet, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. It sits low on the menu for deer and rabbits. The dark green fronds are cut into large rounded leaflets, and golden fruiting pinnae crown them on wine-colored stalks. It tolerates year-round shallow water.
Pairs well with Pickerel weed, Joe Pye weed, Cinnamon fern, and Black gum.
Native range
Asia.