Royal Ferns

Royal Ferns—Osmunda Regalis is one of the largest types in North America outside the tropics. It produces a sizeable amber inflorescence in the middle of summer that could easily be mistaken for a flower called “the flowering plant.”

The Royal Ferns Can Reach 6 Feet Tall

You can expect it to grow from 3 to 6 feet tall, dwarfing the most known and loved plants. It has long, spindly branches with alternating green leaves. These branches grow in bunches that expand as the rhizomes below pass through the soil. 

This Fern Reproduces Very Slow

Although pretty large and beautiful, it is one of the slowest to reproduce. Its rhizomes will leisurely creep through your garden and pop up new offshoots as it pleases, a very fitting personality trait for a royal fern.

The Fern Loves Acidic Soil

You can speed up growth by planting it in acidic soil, as it tends to grow much more slowly in an alkaline or neutral P.H. Picking a spot with high moisture retention will ensure your plant stays happy and healthy. This species will do well in sand and clay if suitable for P.H. and moisture content. You might find this variety in a woodland bog or at the edge of a stream in the wild.

This Fern Does Great In Zones 3-10

You can enjoy the nature of Royal Ferns in zones 3-10. It makes it a highly versatile option for almost any garden in North America. Because of the moisture requirements, this plant makes an excellent leafy green accent on the North side of your home, under a shade tree, or in any other shady location on your property. You should give these plants about 18 inches of space to spread their lovely branches.