The clue’s in the name—Osmunda regalis, the “royal fern,” brings garden grandeur with tall, feathery fronds that unfurl like green fireworks. In full glory, it looks like something plucked from a fairytale forest... or a dinosaur’s living room.
Reaching an impressive 1.5–2 metres tall and spreading up to 1 metre wide, it loves moist, acidic soil and thrives in part shade to full shade. Perfect for boggy spots, stream edges, or anywhere you want a dash of drama, this fern will reign supreme! No crown required, just a bit of water.
Osmunda is thought to be derived from the Saxon name for the Norse god Thor, or from an Old English name for a man named Osmund who, according to legend, hid his family in a clump of these ferns.
