The King Ostrich Fern

The King Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris 'The King')

The King Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris 'The King') is a bold, deciduous fern with an even more impressive presence than its parent species. With towering, gracefully arching fronds, this cultivar is prized for its larger size and robust growth, making it an exceptional choice for woodland gardens, shaded borders, and moisture-rich landscapes.

Distinctive Features

The King Ostrich Fern produces massive, vase-shaped fronds that can reach impressive heights, providing a dramatic, tropical look in shaded areas. Its sterile fronds create a lush, feathery effect, while its fertile fronds develop later in the season, persisting into winter for added seasonal interest.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Prefers partial to full shade; tolerates dappled sunlight.
• Soil: Moist, well-draining, rich in organic matter.
• Water: Requires consistently moist soil and thrives in wet conditions.
• Humidity: Thrives in moderate to high humidity environments.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-7.

Ideal Uses

• Woodland Gardens: Adds towering height and a lush, tropical look to shaded spaces.
• Shaded Borders & Beds: Provides structure and movement to garden plantings.
• Moisture-Rich Areas: Thrives near streams, ponds, and rain gardens.
• Fern & Native Plant Gardens: Complements other shade-loving perennials beautifully.

Low Maintenance Care

The King Ostrich Fern is a resilient, easy-to-grow plant that requires minimal care once established.

• Watering: Keep soil consistently moist, especially during hot weather.
• Pruning: Remove older fronds in late fall or early spring to encourage fresh growth.
• Fertilizing: Apply a light layer of compost or organic mulch in spring.
• Propagation: Spreads by underground rhizomes; can be divided in early spring.

Why Choose The King Ostrich Fern?

With its towering, feathery fronds and vigorous growth, The King Ostrich Fern is a spectacular choice for filling large shaded areas with dramatic greenery.

• Massive, Graceful Fronds: Creates a bold, tropical effect in shade gardens.
• Moisture-Loving: Thrives in consistently damp soils.
• Shade-Tolerant: Performs well in low-light conditions.
• Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established.
• Versatile Placement: Perfect for woodland gardens, borders, and moisture-rich landscapes.

For those looking to introduce a dramatic, shade-loving fern to their gardens, The King Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris 'The King') is an outstanding choice.