Matteuccia struthiopteris - Shuttlecock Fern, Bog Plant (RHS AGM)

Matteuccia struthiopteris, known as shuttlecock fern or ostrich fern, holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit. In spring it forms upright "shuttlecocks" of bright green, feathery fronds around shorter brown fronds that carry the spores.

Shuttlecock fern at a glance

Botanical name	Matteuccia struthiopteris
Common name	Shuttlecock fern, ostrich fern
Plant type	Deciduous fern; no flowers
Height and spread	About 1–1.5 m tall; spreads to form colonies 1.5 m or more across
Flowers	None; brown spore-bearing fronds in the centre
Position	Part shade or shade, sheltered
Soil	Moist, acid or neutral clay, loam or sand
Pond depth	None – moist soil, not standing water
Hardiness	RHS H5 – hardy in a cold winter (-15 to -10°C)
Native to	Not confirmed as UK native

Is shuttlecock fern a pond plant?

No. It is a fern for moist, shady ground, not a water plant. Plant it in damp soil near a pond, in a bog garden or in a shady border. The RHS lists it as resilient to flooding.

Does it spread?

Yes. It sends out runners and forms colonies of shuttlecocks over time, so give it room.

How to plant and care for it

Plant in spring in a sheltered spot in part or full shade, in soil that stays moist. It is generally free of pests and diseases.

Which size should I buy?

Bare-root plants (7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive without a pot or compost and are the most economical way to plant a group. Potted plants (9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive growing in our peat-free compost and give a faster display. Packs of 3 come in 7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre bare-root sizes and cost less per plant. The 2x Pot & Compost option is two plants supplied with pots and compost.