Osmunda regalis

Surround yourself with a cool forest of ferny foliage using this big and lush Osmunda regalis. Also known as royal fern, it’s certainly majestic—a whopper reaching heights of over 2m at maturity. Fuzzy, pale copper shoots emerge in spring, colouring fresh green in summer. Fronds are tipped with pinnae filled with chestnut-brown spores, giving the appearance of feathery flowerheads from a distance. As summer ends, the elegant Osmunda regalis transitions through shades of gold, orange and bronze, bringing a toasty late season colour hit.   

This goliath fern is the largest European species, demanding plenty of space to reach its full potential. Given a shaded spot on reliably moist soil, it makes an impressive statement plant for natural planting schemes and bog gardens. In sunny locations, Osmunda regalis copes well, providing the soil remains damp during the driest weather. Try positioning it at a pond’s edge where it can be admired across open water to dramatic effect.