Osmunda Regalis

Class

Polypodiopsida

Division

Polypodiophyta

Family

Osmundaceae

Order

Osmundales

Genus

Osmunda

Species

regalis

Description

Commonly referred to as 'Floridian Fern', it is a cultivar that can be used in the garden in moist, shady areas, also in combination with other species with the same cultivation requirements. It tolerates cold winters well and develops best in semi-muddy areas, even near ponds.

Vigorous in growth, it forms a large, luxuriant bush with bipinnate, light green foliage that turns an attractive red-brown colour in autumn.

Curiosities and special features

The old fronds have the characteristic of showing an evident formation of spores on the lower page.

Origin and distribution

Native species of the temperate climate range including Macaronesia, Europe and the Mediterranean, Iran, tropical and southern Africa, Madagascar, Mauritius.

Leaf

The erect, glabrous fronds have a bipinnate lamina.

Leaf colour

The homogeneous shade of the foliage gives it high ornamental value, turning from light green to red-brown in autumn.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 0.5 to 0.8 m, depending on the development of the foliage.

Lifespan

Deciduous perennial fern.

Where to plant

The elegance conferred by the dense foliage as well as the size attained make Osmunda regale suitable for cultivation in flowerbeds, outdoor tubs.

It can also be used near ponds as it likes to stay with its roots immersed in the water, or as an epiphytic plant on partially decayed trunks.

Stem

It has an underground stem, called rhizome, which emits roots and adventitious stems of a herbaceous type; the variety has no thorns.

Growth

Vigorous, it is characterised by a globular growth.

Plant habit

The developed vegetative habitus is erect.

PH

It prefers acidic soil with an optimal pH between 4.0 and 5.5.

Sun exposure

Requires shady, dark shade. It is not recommended to place it in direct sunlight.

Ideal climate and temperature

It prefers a humid climate while also tolerating the winter cold. The ideal temperature is between 18 and 25 °C during the vegetative period. The vital temperature is between -3 and 38 °C.

Use

Widely cultivated and used in:
Outdoor ornamental

Hardiness

Medium-hardy plant.

Soil

Requires fresh, moist soil.

For cultivation in tubs, use a fresh substrate specifically for green plants.

Difficulty

Under the right environmental conditions, the cultivation of Osmunda regale is easy with a low level of maintenance.

Growing tips

Some specific cultivation guidelines for optimal vegetative development:
Avoid direct sunlight during the hottest hours Always keep the substrate moist Prefers slightly calcareous water

Combinations with other plants

Suitable both for creating groups in purity as well as in combination with other species such as Epimedium, Hosta or other outdoor ferns.

Propagation

Multiplication is by spores or by division of the head.

Watering

Keep the substrate moist by regularly supplying temperate, non-calcareous water.

Prevent garden sprinklers from wetting the leaves, although it likes a good ambient humidity.

Do not allow the substrate to dry out or wither away.

Fertilising

It fears over-fertilisation, especially in connection with water stress.

From spring to early autumn, add a specific fertiliser for green plants to the moist substrate and dilute it in the irrigation water.

If the climate is very dry, an excess of fertiliser can cause leaf burns.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible.

Toxicity for humans

The rhizome contains toxic substances.

Tip

Removing old and partially dried vegetation in spring promotes the growth of new leaves. It can be used as an epiphytic plant on dead and partially decayed trunks. Avoid garden sprinklers wetting its leaves, even though it likes good ambient humidity.