Monrovia : Learn

Dramatic architectural form and color distinguish this valuable species. Large 4 foot long fronds have a big impact on plant shape. Foliage is blue-green in summer with new growth covered in white hairs. Fertile fronds are a contrasting cinnamon brown. Native to the Americas and Asia, it is highly adaptable to both tropics and temperate regions. Prefers acidic humus rich soil and even moisture. Herbaceous. Filtered sun. Slow growing to 4 feet and about 3 feet wide. Hardy.

Performance and Requirements

Light needs: Filtered sun

Watering Needs: Needs wet or constantly moist soil.

Pruning Time: No Value

Growth Rate: Slow Growing

Growth Habit: Erect

Design Information

Companion Plants

EBONY KNIGHT^™ MONDO GRASS
Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Ebknizam'

WHITE NANCY DEAD NETTLE
Lamium maculatum 'White Nancy'

STOPLIGHT FOAMY BELLS
Heucherella 'Stoplight' P.P.# 16835

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Companion Plants (Description): This fern thrives with other allies that lover sheltered woodland conditions such as Stop Light Foamy Bells, (x Heucherella 'Stop Light'), King of Hearts Bleeding Heart, (Dicentra x 'King of Hearts'), Ebony Knight Mondo Grass, (Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Ebkinzam') and Spotted Dead Nettle, (Lamium maculatum 'Red Nancy').

Design Styles: This great upstanding fern is exceptional form for wild gardens. Plant in masses under protective tree canopies and within woodland groves. A super choice for sideyards that need bold fillers. Such good form is also super valuable massed into modern gardens, particularly in the urban environment. May be added to shade borders for height or background and color. A stunning background for fountains and problem solver for acidic, light challenged gardens.

Care Information

Follow a regular watering schedule during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Feed frequently during growing season with a general purpose fertilizer. Cut back old fronds after new growth begins in spring.

Background Information

History: The osmunda fern family includes just three genera. This one was classified to include nine species native to the Americas and Asia. It was derived from the name of an ancient Saxon god, Osmunder. The species likens the unique orange colored sporangia with that of the spice, cinnamon. This one is found in the North American forests and those of eastern Asia. Often called "flowering ferns" due to their sporangia which resemble flowers.

Lore: These ferns are commercially harvested for osmunda fiber, an important horticultural product used in growing orchids.

Catalog Description: Dramatic architectural form and color distinguish this valuable species. Large 4 foot long fronds have a big impact on plant shape. Foliage is blue-green in summer with new growth covered in white hairs. Fertile fronds are a contrasting cinnamon brown. Native to the Americas and Asia, it is highly adaptable to both tropics and temperate regions. Prefers acidic humus rich soil and even moisture. Herbaceous. Filtered sun. Slow growing to 4 feet and about 3 feet wide. Hardy.