The royal fern also cuts a fine figure in the home garden. In the right location, it only requires a minimum of care.
As a native plant, the royal fern (Osmunda regalis) is well adapted to our climatic conditions and is also an ornament for every garden. Its stately and up to 1.5 meter long fronds have given the royal fern its name. The plant feels particularly comfortable near garden ponds or streams. The robust royal fern requires little care, offers decorative autumn colors and can survive for several decades. He doesn't think much of plant neighbors, doesn't like to be touched and wants a unique position.
Origin of the Royal Fern
The common panicle fern is a plant native to Europe and thus has a unique position among the royal ferns. Larger natural ranges are found in milder climatic regions. Since the natural population has declined significantly in recent years, the royal fern is a nature reserve in Germany.
| Royal fern (Osmunda regalis ) | |
|---|---|
| Growth: | wide, loosely upright, clump-forming |
| Growth: | 100 - 150 cm |
| Growth: | 80 - 120 cm |
| Foliage: | deciduous |
| Location: | sun to shade |
| Floor: | moist, well drained, humic, acidic to neutral |
Plant Royal Fern
» Find the right location
In nature, plant lovers will find king ferns at the edges of forests, in clearings or in ditches and moorland. Depending on the natural growth requirements, a semi-shady stand can also be found in the garden. Riparian zones or woodland edges are ideal.
The royal fern doesn't want to be disturbed while it's growing. The location must therefore be selected with care and foresight. If the fern can grow undisturbed as a solitary plant, it will continue to spread its fronds year after year.
If you want to create a jungle atmosphere and have enough space, you can set up a suitable area in the garden by planting in groups.
Hint: TheRoyal fern is also important as a medicinal plant. The rootstock contains tannins. Compresses soaked in the root broth can promote the healing of minor injuries.
» Choosing the ideal substrate
The royal fern prefers a loose substrate. A moist soil is welcome. The king fern is one of the few plants that have no problems with waterlogging. In either case, the floor should feel wet rather than dry.
The plant requires few nutrients. A neutral to slightly acidic substrate meets the requirements of the royal fern. The royal fern develops very well in sandy or peat soil. If the soil contains peat, this is an advantage, as the moisture can be held there longer and released again.
» Planting instructions step by step
The plant lover should give the royal fern enough space. The plants want to spread out and can reach considerable sizes over the years. A planting distance of at least 80 centimeters should therefore be maintained.
Tip: If you want to slow down the growth of the fern, you can install a rhizome barrier.
1. Find the location
2. Loosen up the substrate
3. Observe the planting distance
4. Dig the planting hole
5. Create a rhizome barrier
6. Plant the royal fern in the planting hole
7. Fill up the substrate
8. Press the soil
9. Sponge the soil in well
Why is a rhizome barrier necessary?
The royal fern forms rhizomes that quickly spread underground. As a result, new royal ferns will grow in different places in the garden over time. Installing a root barrier right at planting can help prevent the rhizomes from spreading.
Water and fertilize royal fern correctly
The royal fern loves a moist environment. The plant should be watered accordingly often. Anyone who can offer a location at the edge of the pond provides the plant with ideal growth conditions and needs less watering.
Tip: If the royal fern is cultivated in a tub, the liquid is lost very quickly and it has to be watered every day.
If the royal fern is near the water, the plant does not need to be fertilized. When planting in the bed, compost can already be mixed into the substrate when it is placed in the soil. This gives the fern a long-term fertilizer and there is no need for additional fertilizing in the first year. If the soil is particularly poor, it is advisable to regularly supply it with a green plant fertilizer. This one will just about thatAdministered irrigation water.
An overview of the most important planting and care tips
| Measure | What to do? |
|---|---|
| Select Location | Penumbral shade Close to water Edge of trees Unique position |
| Prepare substrate | loose moist lean low in lime |
| Casting | Water regularly Waterlogging is tolerated Dry position preferred in winter |
| Fertilize | Compost for planting No fertilizer needed for water planting Liquid fertilizer for green plants |
Pruning Royal Fern
The royal fern has attractive autumn colors that garden lovers should not miss. The fronds can be cut off in late autumn. All aerial parts of the fern are removed. Only the rootstock overwinters in the ground and reliably sprout again in spring.
Propagate Royal Fern
Through its rhizomes, the royal fern ensures its own propagation. The easiest way to propagate the plant is to divide the rootstock. The root is dug up in autumn and divided into several parts with a sharp spade. The individual root pieces are immediately put back into the ground.
Recognize diseases and pests on the royal fern
Ferns are known to be hardy plants. Diseases rarely occur. Pests don't seem to show any interest in the impressive fern either. Even snails don't care about the fern fronds. Only the larvae of the vine weevil occasionally attack the roots. An infestation can be reliably combated with nematodes. The roundworms are simply added to the irrigation water.
Winter King Fern
The royal fern root tuber is hardy. The above-ground parts of the plant are completely removed in autumn. In winter, less moisture should reach the root area of the royal fern.