Cinnamon Fern or Osmunda cinnamomea appear similar to ostrich ferns but with some distinct differences. The crosiers of the Cinnamon Fern (young, emerging fiddlehead) are white and woolly, and it has a much larger, fertile "cinnamon stick". The Cinnamon Fern also spreads slowly, unlike the rampant ostrich fern.
How to Grow: Cinnamon ferns grow best in constantly damp, acid soil. They can be grown in any lighting conditions, as long as their moisture requirements are met. Plants spread slowly making beautiful stands of graceful fronds. Transplant crowns in the spring and early summer, planting them right at the level of the soil.
Landscape uses: Use cinnamon ferns as a backdrop in larger gardens. They work well with hostas or in the bog garden with ligularia, rodgersia, and other large, bold perennials.
Planting Bare Root Ferns
Ferns grow mostly in lightly shaded to full shade areas. They prefer moist, rich
humus soil with a slightly acidic pH (5.3 to 5.5 pH range). Sphagnum peat moss
is good to add to the soil for holding moisture and will add some acid to the soil as it decomposes.
The hole should not only be large enough to hold the frond, but allowing at least an inch or two from the top of the frond to the top of the hole. The smaller ferns, such as Maidenhair, can be planted about 18 to 24 inches apart. Ostrich, Christmas and
Royal Ferns grow larger and should be planted no closer than 24 inches apart.
Top with a good layer of mulch (shredded bark mulch, aged compost or aged manure mix) or a light layer of straw for added moisture and to keep the ground cool. Water
as needed to keep the soil moist.
As the ground warms in late spring, the fronds will begin sprouting.
The question will often come up as to which end is up on the fronds. Sometimes
the tip is visual on the top portion and other times there will be root hairs extending from the bottom. If in doubt, the frond can be planted in a sideways position.
