Matteuccia Struthiopteris - Ostrich or Shuttlecock Fern

Matteuccia Struthiopteris is commonly known as the Ostrich Fern or the Shuttlecock Fern. The Shuttlecock Fern is a hardy, deciduous fern which is native to Britain. It has brilliant, bright vivid green erect fronds that form a clumping habit and produce the distinctive shuttlecock shape that gives the plant its common name. Like all ferns, the Ostrich Fern is also a shade loving plant that is easy to grow and care for. Matteuccia Struthiopteris received the coveted Award of Garden Merit by the Royal Horticultural Society, a sure sign that it will perform well in most gardens.

Height and Spread of Matteuccia Struthiopteris
Forming erect shuttlecock-like rosettes, the Ostrich Fern will grow to be between 1 and 1.5 metres tall, with a spread of 1.5 to 2.5 metres. 

How Hardy is Matteuccia Struthiopteris
As a native plant, the Shuttlecock Fern is hardy in most places throughout the United Kingdom and can fare well even in severe winters where temperatures drop to 15 degrees below zero. This plant is also considered pest and disease free.

How To Use Matteuccia Struthiopteris
A perfect choice for shaded parts of the garden, the Ostrich Fern is a great way to introduce colour and texture to those nooks and crannies of your yard where many plants wouldn't thrive. Similarly, this highly decorative fern is an excellent choice for underplanting large shrubs or trees, such as Japanese Acers. 

How To Care For Matteuccia Struthiopteris
Ferns are undemanding plants, and the Ostrich Fern is no different. This deciduous fern prefers cool, moist, and shaded spots in the garden and will thrive even in wet conditions. It does well in a wide range of soils and it requires a sheltered location.  

The full range of hardy ferns by London stockists Paramount Plants can be viewed at our showroom nursery and plant centre in Crews Hill or view the ferns for sale section of the website.