Osmunda claytoniana
interrupted fern
A deciduous fern with lance-shaped, bipinnate fronds surrounding erect, central fronds, on which the fertile middle pinnae are contracted and rusty-brown
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drainedpH
AcidColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Brown Red | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Osmundaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Osmunda are medium-sized to large deciduous ferns, usually from wet places, with erect or arching, pinnate or bipinnate fronds, bearing spores either on modified pinnae or on separate, smaller fronds
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- North America, Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Easy to grow in most cool, moist, lightly shaded sites and will grow in full sun if given plenty of moisture. Useful for very wet sites. See how to grow ferns for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by sowing spores as soon as ripe or by division in early spring or autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Dead or damaged fronds may be removed as necessary
Pests
Generally pest-free outdoors
Diseases
Generally disease-free outdoors
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.