Are ostrich ferns invasive?
Resembling their namesake, the ostrich fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris) produces fronds that are high, elegant and feathery. They are also invasive.
Are ostrich ferns Hardy?
The sterile fronds have even been used medicinally, including for treating back pain. Native to eastern North America, eastern Asia, and Europe, the ostrich fern is one of the most common native ferns, hardy in USDA Zones 3 through 7. The plants are hardy to -4 degrees Fahrenheit.
How much sun can an Ostrich Fern take?
The optimum amount of sun or shade each plant needs to thrive: Full Sun (6+ hours), Part Sun (4-6 hours), Full Shade (up to 4 hours).
How do you care for ostrich ferns?
Ostrich Fern Houseplants Keep them out of direct light and keep them moist. Be prepared though for an occasional dormant season where your plant needs time to rejuvenate. Ostrich fern houseplants need plenty of water and humidity levels that are higher than what is normally found indoors. Misting will help.
Do you cut back ostrich ferns in the fall?
Clip off the fronds at the base when they go dormant in fall. The fertile fronds in the center keep an attractive appearance much longer than the outer green fronds, so these can be left until they also turn brown at some point in the winter. Ostrich fern is not troubled by any pests or disease.
How quickly do ostrich ferns spread?
Once established, ostrich fern spread can reach roughly one additional square foot (. 09 mˆ²) per growing season. Over time, this spread can crowd, shade, or completely overtake other more diminutive shade plants.
Will ostrich ferns grow in full shade?
Light: The ostrich fern grows best in part shade or full shade because its leaves can burn and discolor if exposed to too much sunlight. Soil: Acidic soil (a pH between 5 and 6.5) and moist soil are necessary for ostrich ferns, particularly in USDA hardiness zones receiving a lot of heat.
Can you grow ostrich ferns in containers?
If you’re without a large space dedicated to managing ostrich ferns you may choose to grow them in containers. Since the plants are partly spread by rhizomes, growing ostrich ferns in pots will help to ensure that this unruly species is kept in line.
Should ostrich ferns be cut back for winter?
Always prune the Fern near the crown so that when it grows back, it is healthy and looks pretty. You can also trim the old and dead branches for the sake of the good health of your Ostrich Fern. Never trim the dead leaves during winter.
How do you overwinter an ostrich fern?
How to Overwinter Potted Ferns
- Trim the fern, removing the shoots at the outside of the pot and keeping only the most upright shoots in the middle.
- Bring the fern inside and place it in a bright, sunny room where the temperature will stay between 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Water the fern once a week.
Can you divide ostrich ferns?
Ostrich ferns spread very rapidly so you will want to divide them regularly to keep them in check. Spring, as the fiddleheads are emerging, is the best time to divide your ferns. Use a garden fork to lift the root mass. The plants grow from rhizomes, but spread via underground runners called stolons.
How far apart should I plant ostrich ferns?
Space your Ostrich Fern 36 to 48 inches apart. Growing up to 7 feet tall and spreading out about 4 feet wide, you are going to need plenty of room to grow.
What is Matteuccia struthiopteris?
Matteuccia struthiopteris, commonly called ostrich fern, is a clump-forming, upright to arching, rhizomatous, deciduous fern which typically grows 2-3′ tall in cultivation, but may reach 6′ tall in moist, cool climates in the wild.
How do you plant Matteuccia struthiopteris?
Grow it among other moisture- and shade loving plants such as on the edge of a pond, in woodland situations or in a large container on a shady patio. Matteuccia struthiopteris spreads slowly by underground rhizomes. The offsets can be dug up and moved in spring, but plants look best when left to form colonies.
What is a struthiopteris plant?
M. struthiopteris is a archetypal shade garden plant and is a great lush, cover for large areas of the garden where it can naturalize and form dense colonies.
What plants look good with Matteuccia struthiopteris?
Large, lustrous, dark green fronds arch gracefully for Matteuccia struthiopteris and give the tropical feel of a palm in your woodland garden. Ostrich fern is happiest in a cool moist site, but it will tolerate more sun at the side of a stream or pond.