Species royal fern Guide
Green leaves and  yellow stems.

royal fern

Osmunda regalis

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Spore Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

3 - 9

Flowers:

Non-flowering Flowers

Sun:

Filtered shade, Full sun only if soil kept moist, Part sun/part shade

Soil:

Loamy Humus

Fruits:

Fruits In Summer Ready In Fall

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Low

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Royal ferns should be watered regularly to keep them healthy and looking their best. Water should be applied deeply, but not to the point of saturation. When watering your Royal Fern, do so when the top inch or 2 of soil has dried out. In general, Royal ferns should only be watered once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions and the location of the fern. Because they are sensitive to drought, it is important to ensure that the soil is never allowed to dry out completely. If you can feel moisture in the soil, do not apply any more water.

sunlight

Royal Ferns prefer to live in partial or dappled shade, meaning they do best with bright, indirect sunlight. They should receive morning sun and dappled shade for the remainder of the day. They can adapt to full sun, although should only be given this when the temperatures are not too high. During the hottest months, it's best to provide some shade in the afternoon in order to help avoid sunburn. Too little sun, however, can result in leggy growth and mis-shapen fronds. To ensure your plant is receiving enough light, you can place it in a location where it receives the sun for 3-4 hours every day. Additionally, Royal ferns should have plenty of humidity and regular watering.

pruning

Royal ferns should be pruned in the early spring, before new growth begins, or in the late winter months when the plant is dormant. Pruning is beneficial for the health of the plant as it can reduce overcrowding, open the center of the clump, and make new growth easier. When pruning royal ferns, it is important not to take too much off the top of the plant but instead thin out the fronds by cutting them back to the main stem. This will encourage new growth and prevent overcrowding and weak plant structure. Pruning should be done gently and not too aggressively. Royal ferns generally respond well to mild pruning and can regain their original shape if given the appropriate care.