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Ostrich Fern

Sale price $3479 Regular price $5999
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Delivery and Shipping

Shipping

To obtain a more accurate shipment time-frame, simply enter your zip code in the “Find Your Growing Zone” box to the right. Our plants are grown all over the country and lead time on items may be different because of this. Once your order is placed, you will also receive the specific shipment time-frame information as part of your order confirmation. Once an item ships, you will receive shipment notification and tracking numbers, so you can follow along while your plant travels to your doorstep. We use FedEx, UPS, or USPS at our discretion.

 

Due to winter weather we have put a hold on shipping to the areas shown below in grey. You can still order now and we will ship the plant to you during an appropriate time for your zone.

*If you have found your zone already, it will be highlighted in the table below.

Standard Shipping Rates

At Nature Hills we handle, package and ship the products you order with the utmost care to ensure healthy delivery. Shipping and handling charges are calculated based on the tables below. Please note that some items include an additional handling surcharge, these will be noted on the item's product page.

From To S&H
$0 $19.99 $24.99
$20 $49.99 $29.99
$50 $69.99 $34.99
$70 $99.99 $39.99
$100 $129.99 $44.99
$130 $149.99 $48.99
$150 $150+ Approx 28%

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Plant Highlights

Ostrich Fern highlights at a glance!

Specifications

  • Brand
    Nature Hills' Choice
  • Botanical Name
    Matteuccia struthiopteris
  • Growing Zones
    3-7
  • Mature Height
    3 - 6 feet
  • Mature Spread
    5 - 7 feet
  • Sun Exposure
    Full Shade
  • Moisture
    Medium
  • Soil
    Well Drained
  • Growth Rate
    Medium
  • Pollinator Friendly
    No
  • Pollinator Required
    No
  • Pruning Time
    Late Autumn

Easily one of the most beautiful Ferns for wet shade, the Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris) is a must-have addition! Unfurling into a beautiful vase-shaped leaf, the showy, arching fronds are reminiscent of Ostrich tail feathers. The plumes of lustrous, very large, dark emerald add lushness to those corners of the yard that are shaded and damp.

The finely dissected leaves also bring delicate texture to the landscape. Ostrich Fern settles nicely in a woodland setting, under the dense shade of large trees. No wonder this plant won the Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society!

These are hardy natives of North America, brushing off early spring freezes like a champ. Interestingly, we're told by friends in Vermont that the young fiddleheads are delicious sautéed in a bit of oil, with a taste like Asparagus. It's even the state vegetable in Vermont!

Planting and Application:

You know that place, where nothing except mosses seems to grow? Those are perfect for Ferns! Ostrich Ferns graceful clumps spread and colonize an area. Perfect for a woodland setting, under the dense shade of large trees and evergreens, and in the modern or contemporary landscape too! It really sings when planted in masses.

Wonderful on the patio and in containers, Ostrich Fern shines! These plumes form dense colonies in the full shade, bringing life and greenery to dreary spots. Visually, planting Ostrich Ferns can turn a dreary eyesore into a triumph of woodland delight! Forming a verdant backdrop for shade-loving Hosta or Bleeding Hearts.

  • Lustrous Tall Vase Shape
  • Green Finely Dissected Foliage
  • Cute Fiddle-Heads
  • Loves Wet, Boggy, Shady Areas
  • En Masse, Planters, Rain-Gardens, Ponds & Shade-Gardens

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Ostrich Fern is happiest in a site that is moist, cool and shady. It handles a bit more sun the closer it is to a stream, pond or bog, and handles wet feet like a duck. Slower to get established, Ostrich Fern will make root development a top priority. Low maintenance once settled, a once-a-year clean-up is all that is needed in late winter or early spring before they start to grow.

  • Part to Full Shade
  • Moist to Wet Soil
  • Clean/Prune Late Winter/Early Spring
  • Loves Cool Humid Sites
  • Deer Resistant

Turn those dreary, waste areas into landscaping with fresh, green 'wow' factor with the addition of Ostrich Fern! Fast-growing, beautiful, shade-loving plantings, then order your own from Nature Hills Nursery today!

Easily one of the most beautiful Ferns for wet shade, the Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris) is a must-have addition! Unfurling into a beautiful vase-shaped leaf, the showy, arching fronds are reminiscent of Ostrich tail feathers. The plumes of lustrous, very large, dark emerald add lushness to those corners of the yard that are shaded and damp.

The finely dissected leaves also bring delicate texture to the landscape. Ostrich Fern settles nicely in a woodland setting, under the dense shade of large trees. No wonder this plant won the Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society!

These are hardy natives of North America, brushing off early spring freezes like a champ. Interestingly, we're told by friends in Vermont that the young fiddleheads are delicious sautéed in a bit of oil, with a taste like Asparagus. It's even the state vegetable in Vermont!

Planting and Application:

You know that place, where nothing except mosses seems to grow? Those are perfect for Ferns! Ostrich Ferns graceful clumps spread and colonize an area. Perfect for a woodland setting, under the dense shade of large trees and evergreens, and in the modern or contemporary landscape too! It really sings when planted in masses.

Wonderful on the patio and in containers, Ostrich Fern shines! These plumes form dense colonies in the full shade, bringing life and greenery to dreary spots. Visually, planting Ostrich Ferns can turn a dreary eyesore into a triumph of woodland delight! Forming a verdant backdrop for shade-loving Hosta or Bleeding Hearts.

  • Lustrous Tall Vase Shape
  • Green Finely Dissected Foliage
  • Cute Fiddle-Heads
  • Loves Wet, Boggy, Shady Areas
  • En Masse, Planters, Rain-Gardens, Ponds & Shade-Gardens

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Ostrich Fern is happiest in a site that is moist, cool and shady. It handles a bit more sun the closer it is to a stream, pond or bog, and handles wet feet like a duck. Slower to get established, Ostrich Fern will make root development a top priority. Low maintenance once settled, a once-a-year clean-up is all that is needed in late winter or early spring before they start to grow.

  • Part to Full Shade
  • Moist to Wet Soil
  • Clean/Prune Late Winter/Early Spring
  • Loves Cool Humid Sites
  • Deer Resistant

Turn those dreary, waste areas into landscaping with fresh, green 'wow' factor with the addition of Ostrich Fern! Fast-growing, beautiful, shade-loving plantings, then order your own from Nature Hills Nursery today!

Customer Reviews

Based on 8 reviews
25%
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(6)
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D
Duan
Placement, Placement, Placement

The Ostrich Fern arrived as expected, well packed and ready to plant. I found a shady spot in the back yard, purchased a large planter to get the fern off the ground to be more visible. Planted deep in the planter, watered it in and let it grow. Everything was perfect. Great shape, great color and growing quickly. Then came a month and a half of very hot weather and no rain. The plant struggled. With the return of rain it is coming back in the cooler weather and better growing conditions of Fall.Must have regular periods of water, shade, and cooler weather. Look forward to seeing how it handles winter and a new growing season. Great expectations

Dear Duan,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your detailed experience with your Ostrich Fern! We’re delighted to hear that it arrived healthy and vibrant, and that you found a perfect shady spot to showcase its beautiful fronds by using a large planter. Your thoughtful placement and care truly make all the difference.

You’re absolutely right that Ostrich Ferns thrive with consistent watering, well-shaded conditions, and cooler weather. They can face some challenges during extended heat and drought, so your observations about the plant struggling a bit through the hot, dry spell are spot on. It’s wonderful to hear it’s bouncing back now with the change in weather and rain—this resilience is a great sign for the colder seasons ahead! When winter approaches, you might consider mulching at the base of your fern within the planter to help protect its root system from extreme temperature fluctuations.

If you’d like additional tips or products to support your fern through the seasons, feel free to check out our care guide for Ostrich Ferns on NatureHills.com or reach out anytime. We’re here to help you ensure your fern continues to grow beautifully.

Looking forward to hearing more about how your garden thrives!

Growing with you,
Nature Hills Nursery – Your Trusted Plant Specialists

D
Duane
Placement, Placement, Placement

The Ostrich Fern arrived as expected, well packed and ready to plant. I found a shady spot in the back yard, purchased a large planter to get the fern off the ground to be more visible. Planted deep in the planter, watered it in and let it grow. Everything was perfect. Great shape, great color and growing quickly. Then came a month and a half of very hot weather and no rain. The plant struggled. With the return of rain it is coming back in the cooler weather and better growing conditions of Fall.Must have regular periods of water, shade, and cooler weather. Look forward to seeing how it handles winter and a new growing season. Great expectations

Hello Duane,

Thank you so much for sharing your detailed experience with your Ostrich Fern! We're delighted to hear it arrived in great condition and that your thoughtful placement in a shaded, elevated planter is helping it thrive. Your observations about its struggle during that hot, dry stretch are spot on—this fern really does appreciate consistent moisture, shade, and milder temperatures to show its full beauty.

Since you're gearing up for winter, keep in mind that while Ostrich Ferns are quite hardy, making sure it’s well-watered before frost and mulching lightly can help protect its roots during colder months. When spring comes, gently refreshing the soil and continuing your watering routine should encourage a vigorous new growing season.

If you ever need personalized tips or want to explore companion plants that share similar growing needs, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’d love to assist you further!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

L
Lisa
Thick plant

The older my ostrich fern gets, the thicker it gets. It is very colorful.

Dear Lisa B,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with your ostrich fern! It's wonderful to hear how beautifully thick and colorful your plant has become as it matures. Ostrich ferns are known for their lush, vibrant foliage, and it sounds like yours is thriving perfectly.

If you’re interested in further encouraging its growth or adding new planting companions, consider providing rich, moist soil and partial shade to mirror its natural woodland environment. Occasionally, a gentle mulch can help retain moisture and add nutrients as it breaks down. And if you're curious about shaping dense foliage or troubleshooting, feel free to explore our care guides or reach out—happy to support your garden journey!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

L
Lisa
Thick plant

The older my ostrich fern gets, the thicker it gets. It is very colorful.

Hi Lisa,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with your Ostrich Fern! It’s fantastic to hear that your fern is thriving and becoming thicker and even more colorful as it grows. These ferns can indeed make a stunning, lush addition to any garden space.

To keep your ostrich fern looking its best, be sure to provide it with consistently moist, well-drained soil and some shade, as they appreciate dappled sunlight rather than direct harsh sun. Mulching can help retain moisture around the roots, especially during dry spells. If you ever want to encourage even more growth or share them with friends, ostrich ferns are great for dividing in early spring or fall.

If you ever have questions or want tips on woodsy garden companions that complement your fern’s beauty, feel free to reach out!

RTL (root) in healthy, joyful gardening,
Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

B
Betty
Wet and shady

Keep the Ostrich fern wet and in the shade and they grow great.

Hello Betty,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful tips on caring for Ostrich Fins – we truly appreciate you taking the time! You’re absolutely right: keeping them moist and in the shade creates the perfect environment for these lush, elegant ferns to thrive. Your insight will be very helpful to other plant enthusiasts looking to enjoy healthy, vibrant Ostrich Ferns as well.

If you’re ever looking for additional care advice, remember that Ostrich Ferns also benefit from rich, well-drained soil and consistent watering during dry spells. Mulching can help retain moisture and protect roots in hot weather, too.

Thanks again for your helpful feedback and happy gardening!

Growing with you,
Nature Hills Nursery – Your Trusted Plant Specialists