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Buy Osmunda regalis

Also Known As

Osmunda regalis var. regalis
European Royal Fern
Locust Fern
Old World Royal Fern
Royal Fern

Plant type

fern

size

H: 2'-6'
W: 2'-3'

planting zones

2a-10b

1 gallon bagged root ball | $21

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30 at Gossler Farms

3/4 gallon pot-bare root | $10

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Fewer than 18 at Sebright Gardens

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Osmunda regalis plant details

Osmunda regalis is a deciduous fern with green foliage. Grows well with bright shade - shade and even moisture - regular water. Drought tolerant once established. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Osmunda regalis

Plant type: fern
Plant family: osmundaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 2 FT - 3 FT - wide, 2 FT - 6 FT - tall
Uses: showy, woodland garden

GROWING CONDITIONS for Osmunda regalis

USDA Zones: 2a - 10b
Sun exposure: bright shade - shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: deer, verticillium wilt
Soil needs: rich and well-drained

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Nursery contributed plant descriptions

The royal fern is a wow! Our 30 year old plant is 8'x8' and has a 2' trunk almost like a tree fern. Every year this deciduous fern gets larger foliage as the plant gets larger. Can grow in really wet soil or well drained soil.

By: Gossler Farms

A majestic fern, one of the largest of the temperate region, the hand-some fronds of this water-lover can reach to 9' and turn a delightful russet in autumn. PSh-Sh/M-W

By: Forestfarm

Royal Fern is one of the largest ferns in non-tropical North America. The spore-producing inflorescence at the top of the plant resembles groups of flowers, hence one of its other common names, Flowering Fern. Osmunda regalis creeps slowly by rhizomes, making it one of the slowest spreading ferns. Does best in acid soils, and grows slowly when planted in neutral or alkaline soil. Hardy to Zones 3 - 10.

By: Prairie Nursery

A large species that prefers to dangle its toes in the water, growing to over 6' tall and occasionally as much as 10'; mass plantings have an almost prehistoric nature, just the thing for landscaping Komodo dragon pens.

By: Arrowhead Alpines

Osmunda regalis is a deciduous broad leaf perennial fern growing 3-6' in partial shade. Bronzy new growth turns deep green. Fronds up to 12" wide. Matures into a huge plant.

By: Accents for Home and Garden

Deciduous, very attractive, delicate looking, bipinnate w/ orange fertile fronds Zone 2-9. 2'-5', Eastern US, part shade-shade, moist, well drained.

By: Keeping it Green Nursery

This fern is found in swamps and other wet sites in eastern North America, tropical America and Europe. 2-5 feet tall, erect, deciduous. Zones 2 to 10.

By: Hoot Owl Hollow Nursery

Wide mound of very attractive, unique broadly ovate fronds on long, trunk like stems; Stunning! Plant in nearly full sun to full shade & moist, acidic soil. Zones 2 to 10. Height: 2 to 6 feet. Deciduous.

By: Sebright Gardens

Upright. Turns gold in the fall. Deciduous.

By: Little Prince of Oregon

Soft green fronds. Different look than many other ferns.

By: Bloom River Gardens

Deciduous. The name royal fits this fern perfectly. Planted where it gets ample water, it will grow 10-12' tall with fronds 3' wide. Regal! In poor conditions, it will grow to 2' tall and still be a royal looking fern. The young, stout, orange-brown stems unfold early in the spring much like flowers. Sometimes called flowering fern. Native to temperate and subtropical regions.