Santa Rosa Tropicals Fern Information

'Ostrich
Fern'
Matteuccia
struthiopteris

Outstanding hardy fern that can be grown anywhere in the United States. The 'OSTRICH FERN' goes completely dormant in the winter yet comes back with full vigor every spring. Not only is it wonderfully lush in the spring, but the light green color of the fronds is both striking and beautiful. Ostrich likes it's water, which is a big plus since growers and homeowners alike seem to want to give plenty of water to their ferns.

Growing Information

Zone: 2-9

Light: not critical...filtered shade to part day sun.

Temperature: not critical...will go dormant when the days get short.

Feed: will rarely need supplemental feed. Scattering a little dry feed used on Rhododendrons and Camellias around the 'Ostrich Fern' can't hurt.

Water: do not allow to dry out. Perfect fern for that wet spot in the garden.

Potting Mix: won't be happy if planted in poorly draining soils such as clay. To cure poor drainage problems, plant only half the root ball in the native soil and mulch up around the exposed part of the roots with bark. This will allow the roots to seek their own moisture levels.

Pest Control: almost totally pest free. Dust with Dipel(r) for caterpillar problems.

Note: The 'OSTRICH FERN' is dimorphic which means it sends up spore bearing structures in the center of the plant. They are green at first and then turn brown. Weird but interesting!