Osmunda regalis - Royal Fern, Native Bog Plant

Osmunda regalis, known as royal fern, is a large UK native fern that holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit. Its bright green fronds turn russet-brown in autumn, and the tips of the fertile fronds carry brown spore clusters that look like flowers.

Royal fern at a glance

Botanical name	Osmunda regalis
Common name	Royal fern
Plant type	Large deciduous fern; no flowers
Height and spread	Eventually 1.5–2.5 m tall, 50–100 cm wide (takes 5–10 years)
Flowers	None; brown spore-bearing tips on the fertile fronds
Position	Part shade best; full sun only if the soil stays wet
Soil	Moist to very wet; add plenty of compost on alkaline soil
Pond depth	Wet soil at the pond edge
Hardiness	RHS H6 – hardy in a very cold winter (-20 to -15°C)
Native to	UK and Ireland (native fern)

Where to plant royal fern

Bog gardens and wet ground beside a pond or stream
Lightly shaded, cool, damp corners
Very wet sites where other plants struggle

How big does royal fern grow?

It is slow to start but can eventually reach 1.5–2.5 m. The RHS gives 5–10 years to reach full size, so allow space.

How to plant and care for it

Plant in spring in moist to wet soil. On alkaline soil, dig in plenty of fibrous compost. It is generally free of pests and diseases.

Is it legal to grow?

Yes, when bought from a nursery. Wild royal fern declined through Victorian collecting, so never dig plants from the wild.

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.