{"product_id":"10-ostrich-ferns-matteuccia-struthiopteris-bare-root-perennial-shade-plants","title":"10 Ostrich Ferns, Matteuccia struthiopteris, Bare Root Perennial Shade Plants","description":"\u003cp\u003eOstrich Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris) is a striking native perennial fern prized for its tall, feathery fronds that resemble ostrich plumes. This shade-loving plant forms elegant clumps that bring texture and movement to woodland gardens, shaded borders, and damp areas. Its bright green fronds emerge in spring and persist through summer, creating a lush, tropical effect in temperate landscapes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOstrich Fern is an excellent choice for naturalizing in moist, shady spots, where it can spread to form dense colonies over time. It pairs beautifully with other shade perennials like hostas and astilbes, and its tolerance for wet soil makes it ideal for rain gardens or stream banks. The fern is also valued for its edible fiddleheads in spring, though harvesting should be done sustainably.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePlant Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTall, arching fronds with a distinctive ostrich-plume appearance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNative to North America and well-suited to woodland gardens\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThrives in shade to part shade and consistently moist soil\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpreads via rhizomes to form attractive colonies\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvides habitat and cover for wildlife\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eGrowing Information\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Matteuccia struthiopteris\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Perennial fern\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSunlight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Partial to full shade\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moist, well-drained, rich in organic matter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e Keep soil consistently moist\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Habit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Clumping, spreads by rhizomes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUSDA Hardiness Zones:\u003c\/strong\u003e 3-7\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMature Height:\u003c\/strong\u003e 3-6 feet\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpacing:\u003c\/strong\u003e 18-24 inches apart\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePlanting \u0026amp; Care\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003ePlant bare root ferns in spring or fall, setting the crowns just below the soil surface. Choose a location with dappled shade and soil that retains moisture but drains well. Water thoroughly after planting and keep the soil evenly moist during the first growing season to help establish a strong root system. Mulch around the plants to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOstrich Ferns are low-maintenance once established. Remove old or damaged fronds in late winter or early spring to tidy the plant and encourage fresh growth. Divide clumps every few years if they become overcrowded. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, especially during hot, dry spells.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhat's Included\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e10 Ostrich Fern bare root plants (Matteuccia struthiopteris).\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Blake's Flora \u0026 Soil","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67824714940726,"sku":"FOLIA2-1068","price":116.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0994\/4884\/8694\/files\/il_fullxfull.6630732931_orvd.jpg?v=1793004265","url":"https:\/\/blakesflora.com\/products\/10-ostrich-ferns-matteuccia-struthiopteris-bare-root-perennial-shade-plants","provider":"Blake's Flora \u0026 Soil","version":"1.0","type":"link"}