Osmunda cinnamomea
Cinnamon fern, Fiddleheads, Buckhorn
- Height × spread
- 0.3m × 0.5m
- Position
- All conditions
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This tends to be shorter when grown in domestic gardens. This makes a feathery clump of soft green foliage that looks much softer and rather herbaceous in character. The fronds carry long slender leaflets along their length. The fronds which will bear spores are slender and erect, coloured a warm cinnamon brown shade. They coexist and contrast with the sterile green fronds to intriguing effect. The young spring fronds are eaten in some parts of the world. Give this a water rich position in fertile soil, preferably that which is neutral or acidic, If plenty of water is available it is happy in sunshine, otherwise part or light shade is preferred. This stands 1m (3ft) in height with an equivalent spread.
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Fan
- Height
- 0.3m
- Spread
- 0.5m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Shady court
- Sun or shade
- All conditions
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- Acid (ericaceous), Neutral
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Damp and wet soil
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Deer resistant
- Deer
- May be damaged by deer when very young
- Hazards
- No
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 frequently to keep the soil moist
The plant thrives in moist or boggy soil, doesn't tolerate dryness and should be watered frequently, not only after a period of drought, but if the soil begins to dry out spring to autumn. Check plants in pots more frequently, especially in hot weather.
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.