The King Ostrich Fern
Matteuccia struthiopteris 'The King'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
48 inches
Width
36 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7
Water
Moist
Humidity
High
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Northern Hemisphere
Toxicity
Non-toxic
The Story
Plant Bio
Matteuccia struthiopteris 'The King' is a deciduous fern distinguished by its tall, arching fronds with finely divided, bright green foliage that forms dense clumps, creating a lush, textured ground cover. This cultivar is notable for its vigorous, upright growth habit and larger, more robust fronds compared to typical forms, making it an excellent choice for bold foliage displays in shaded gardens.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck spores or divide rhizomes in early spring.
- Plant in shaded location with rich, moist soil.
- Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Mulch around the base to retain moisture.
- Fertilize with organic compost in spring.
- Divide every 3-4 years for vigorous growth.
Pro Tip
Keep soil consistently moist for optimal growth and vibrant foliage.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly to maintain moist soil 💧
- Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
- Fertilize in early spring with organic compost
- Divide clumps every few years to rejuvenate
Don't
- Avoid dry or overly compacted soils ❌
- Do not expose to direct sunlight
- Never let soil dry out completely
- Avoid heavy fertilization which can scorch roots
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Harvest | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
The King Ostrich Fern questions
What zones can The King Ostrich Fern grow in?
The King Ostrich Fern is hardy in USDA Zones 4–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is The King Ostrich Fern deer resistant?
Yes — The King Ostrich Fern is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does The King Ostrich Fern bloom?
The King Ostrich Fern typically blooms in late spring through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does The King Ostrich Fern need full sun?
The King Ostrich Fern does best in part shade.
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Grow The King Ostrich Fern with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
