Osmunda cinnamomea (Cinnamon Fern)

Thriving in moist areas, Osmunda cinnamomea (Cinnamon Fern) makes a dramatic focal point in the landscape. This impressive, deciduous fern features erect, narrow spikes of cinnamon-brown spore-producing structures (sporangia), which emerge from the center of the plant. Resembling cinnamon sticks, these fertile fronds are quite different from the plant’s sterile, large, blue-green, lance-shaped fronds and have earned this Osmunda its common name. These fertile fronds appear as silvery, furry fiddleheads in spring before turning their upper portions to chocolate brown. The sterile fronds bend outwards, forming an elegant vase-shaped rosette enclosing the cinnamon fronds. Low maintenance, pest, and disease-free, Cinnamon Fern is a great asset for very wet sites!

• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society for its outstanding qualities
• Clump-forming, it easily grows up to 2-5 ft. tall (60-120 cm) and 2-3 ft. wide (60-90 cm).
• A light dapple shade lover, it is best grown in fertile, humus-rich, consistently moist, slightly acidic, well-drained soils. Do not allow the soil to dry out. Can grow in full sun if it is in standing water all the time.
• This plant is a great choice for shady beds, borders, underplanting of roses and shrubs, cottage gardens, woodlands, bog gardens, rain gardens, or along streams, ponds, or water gardens.
• Rabbit, deer, clay & wet soil tolerant!
• Dead or damaged fronds may be removed as necessary.
• Propagate by sowing spores at 15-16°C (59-61°F). These need to be sown within three days of ripening as they lose their viability very quickly. Alternatively, divide well-established colonies into clumps in either fall or early spring
• Native to the Americas and eastern Asia.

Ferns come in an amazing array of textures, colors, sizes, and shapes. Easy to grow and quite versatile, they add beauty to almost any spot in the garden. While most ferns enjoy part shade or dappled sunlight, there are many which will also perform well in sunny locations, provided they get enough water. Most ferns are slow-growing and may take several years to reach their mature size. Requiring minimal maintenance throughout the year, they offer gardeners plenty of attractive planting options!