Royal ferns typically start flowering in late spring or early summer, usually between May and July.
royal fern
Osmunda regalis 'Purpurascens'
Royal fern is an impressive evergreen perennial native to North America and East Asia. It is highly prized for its bright peachy-orange fronds, which can reach up to 1 m in length. The feather-like foliage grows lush and beautiful, especially in shady spots, making it a great choice for a shady garden. The fronds are edible and can be used in salads in soups. This remarkable variety of fern is an ideal addition to any garden, providing year-round interest and color even during the dull winter months.
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:
purple Fruits In Summer Ready In Fall
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
red,purple
Growth Rate:
High
Maintenance:
Low
Care Level:
Medium
watering
Royal ferns should be watered once a week with 1-2 inches of water. Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. During periods of low rainfall or extreme heat, increase watering to twice a week if necessary. When you water, water thoroughly into the root zone so that moisture reaches 6-8 inches down. After watering, allow the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry before watering again.
sunlight
Royal ferns prefer moderate to full shade but will grow in a range of light conditions. They ideally need 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight per day during the spring and summer, and slightly less in the fall and winter. In low light conditions, their fronds may become yellow or even brown. Direct sunlight should be avoided during the hottest parts of the day (noon to 3 PM). If possible, try to place the fern in a spot that receives filtered, indirect sunlight throughout the day.
pruning
Royal fern should be pruned in early spring just as new growth begins to appear. Prune off any old, dead fronds and any that are no longer upright and healthy. Depending on the size and health of the fern, you may prune to remove up to 3-quarters of the fronds, as new fronds will soon grow to replace them. Avoid pruning royal fern too severely, as it may weaken the plant and can leave it vulnerable to a pest or disease attack.
Season
Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering
Starts Flowering
Royal ferns typically start flowering in late spring or early summer, usually between May and July.
Harvest Fruit
The best time to start harvesting the fruits from Osmunda regalis 'Purpurascens' is in July and August.
