Easy Tips for Growing Beautiful Ostrich Ferns

Ostrich ferns are a popular choice for gardeners seeking to add a touch of elegance to their landscapes. With their rapid spread and resistance to pests, these ferns are low-maintenance and perfect for busy gardeners.

However, growing beautiful ostrich ferns requires some specific conditions. They prefer partial to full shade, moist and acidic soil, and regular watering throughout the summer.

In this article, we will explore easy tips for growing these stunning ferns, including propagation techniques, care tips, and strategies for pairing them with other plants.

Best Growing Conditions for Ostrich Ferns

Ostrich ferns prefer moist, acidic, and organic-rich soil, and they can tolerate clay soil as well. It is important to provide the ideal soil pH for ostrich ferns, which should be between 5.0 and 6.5. This will help prevent yellowing and burning of the fern leaves.

To maintain the proper soil conditions, it is recommended to mulch around the base of the ferns to retain moisture and suppress weed growth. Additionally, regular watering is essential to keep the soil consistently moist.

Ostrich ferns thrive in partial to full shade conditions, with dappled shade being the best to prevent leaf discoloration. They can tolerate full sun in cool, moist locations, but they do not thrive in hot and humid summers.

Propagation and Care Techniques for Ostrich Ferns

To control the spread of ostrich ferns, gardeners should divide the rhizomes each spring. This technique helps prevent overcrowding and keeps the ferns within bounds.

Here are some pruning techniques and information on common pests and diseases for ostrich ferns:

1. Pruning Techniques:

   • Lightly trim ostrich ferns to keep them looking fresh.
   • Remove old or awkwardly-shaped fronds for better aesthetics.
   • Cut down dead foliage and fertile fronds in late winter to promote new growth.

2. Common Pests and Diseases:

   • Ostrich ferns have no serious common pests or diseases.
   • They are rabbit and deer resistant, making them less susceptible to grazing damage.
   • Regularly inspect the ferns for signs of pest infestation or disease, and take appropriate measures if necessary.

Pairing and Controlling Ostrich Ferns

Astilbes and hostas are popular companion plants for ostrich ferns due to their compatible growth habits and light requirements. Pairing ostrich ferns with these plants adds variety and visual interest to the landscape. When selecting companion plants, it is important to consider their growth habits and light requirements.

Astilbes, known for their feathery plumes of flowers, thrive in partial shade and moist soil, which makes them a suitable companion for ostrich ferns. Hostas, on the other hand, prefer the same growing conditions as ostrich ferns, such as partial to full shade and moist, well-draining soil. By planting these companion plants alongside ostrich ferns, gardeners can create a harmonious and aesthetically pleasing garden design.

Controlling the spread of ostrich ferns is crucial to prevent them from taking over the landscape. Ostrich ferns spread rapidly and can be considered invasive if not properly managed. It is recommended to regularly remove baby plants by hand to keep the ferns under control. Being vigilant in identifying and removing sprouting ferns in areas where they are not desired is also important.

To prevent overcrowding, rhizomes should be dug up and divided every few years. By implementing these control measures, gardeners can maintain the growth of ostrich ferns and ensure they stay within bounds, preserving the overall health and balance of the garden.

Tips for Growing Beautiful Ostrich Ferns

Mulching around the base of the ferns helps retain moisture and suppress weed growth, contributing to the overall health and appearance of the ostrich ferns.

Here are three tips for growing beautiful ostrich ferns:

1. Proper watering: Ostrich ferns prefer moist, well-draining soil. Regular watering is essential to keep the soil consistently moist. Insufficient moisture can cause early dormancy, so it’s important not to let the soil dry out.

2. Mulching: In addition to retaining moisture, mulching also helps suppress weed growth around the ferns. This prevents competition for nutrients and ensures that the ferns can thrive without unwanted plants interfering.

3. Proper maintenance: Ostrich ferns are relatively problem-free, but it’s important to be vigilant in identifying and removing sprouting ferns in areas where they are not desired. Regularly remove baby plants by hand to keep the ferns under control and prevent them from taking over the landscape.

Additional Resources for Growing Ostrich Ferns

The Spruce offers a wealth of information and resources for gardeners looking to expand their knowledge on ostrich ferns and other plants. When it comes to planting methods for ostrich ferns, it is important to choose a shady location with moist, acidic, and organic-rich soil. Ostrich ferns can tolerate clay soil and some erosion, but they require medium to wet conditions and regular watering throughout the summer.

Additionally, dividing ostrich ferns each spring helps control their spread and maintain their health. As for fern care techniques, it is recommended to lightly fertilize if nearby plants are being fertilized, but avoid overfertilization as ostrich ferns are sensitive to excess fertilizer. Regular trimming, removal of dead foliage, and cutting down of fertile fronds in late winter are also important for keeping ostrich ferns looking fresh.