Royal Fern, Osmunda regalis, have very long fronds with lance-shaped leaves resembling the leaves of the ash or locust trees. Royal Fern spreads slowly, like other Osmundas, but individual plants remain. After many years large Royal Fern will be in place around a large central plant.
How to Grow: Royal ferns prefer open shade and highly acid, very wet soil. Plants in the Florida wetlands are tree-like and quite impressive. Divide in spring, planting the crowns just at the soil level.
Landscape uses: Royal ferns are truely regal under the proper garden conditions. Use them as tall accents in the bog garden.
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.
