Matteuccia struthiopteris
Ostrich fern, Ostrich plume fern, Shuttlecock fern
Also known as Onoclea struthiopteris, Matteuccia struthiopteris Shuttlecock Fern
- Height × spread
- 0.8m × 0.6m
- Position
- Tolerates full sun, likes part shade, likes light shade
- Hardiness
- Cold to -15C (RHS H5)
- Flowers
- Autumn
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This beautiful fern produces its leaves from a short stem. The fronds are nearly vertical, with a slight, elegant arch so that the plant is vase-shaped. One of its names is shuttlecock fern. The plant is particularly pleasing in spring when the fronds are unfurling. It develops into a hearty shuttlecock for the summer and is a good, fresh green colour. The foliage turns bracken-brown in autumn and can be left well into the winter if required.
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Autumn foliage
- Brown-rich
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Fan
- Height
- 0.8m
- Spread
- 0.6m
- Season of interest
- Winter
- Flowers in
- Autumn
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Winter garden, Shady court
- Sun or shade
- Tolerates full sun, likes part shade, likes light shade
- Soil type
- Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- Acid (ericaceous), Neutral
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Damp and wet soil, Well drained soil
- Hardiness
- Cold to -15C (RHS H5)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Deer resistant
- Deer
- May be damaged by deer when very young
- Hazards
- No
AutumnNow
Autumn - late · Outdoors
Apply mulch
Spread organic material around the plant being careful not to bury its crown, or to put the mulch above the point at which the plant has been grafted in the case of trees.
A mulch is a covering that can: protect the soil surface from rain, heat and cold; deter weeds; provide nutrients. Organic indicates that material has vegetative origin e.g. manure, compost. Synthetics i.e. plastics, or stones are often called mulches.
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with sequestrol
If plants are acid loving and grown in soil with little acidity, or in a container, or are watered with limey tap water an annual feed with sequestrol (iron chelate) is highly beneficial. Follow guidelines on the packet. Will also 'blue-up' hydrangeas.
For hydrangeas that have good blue flowers in acid soil, this product can be used with alkaline soil to turn the flowers blue. This is most effective when the soil is neutral or just slightkly alkaline.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Summer
Summer · Planting
Divide ferns
If a fern has multiple crowns (the part from which the fronds grow), they can with some effort be separated. Put a fork, or even two between the crowns and work them apart. Replant large segments, and grow small pieces in pots until they become viable.
Planting & general
Outdoors
Water with rain water
This plant needs rain water or soft water (the minerals in alkaline or "hard" water are harmful). This is especially important for plants in pots.
Compost · Planting
Ericaceous compost
This plant requires acidic (ericaceous) soil. Where the soil is not acidic, or when planting in pots, use an ericaceous compost.