Royal Fern Osmunda regalis 'Purpurascens'
ABOUT
The Royal Fern 'Purpurascens' is an elegant variety of fern known for its distinctive foliage that provides a striking visual interest in garden spaces or naturalized areas. Its appearance is characterized by large, finely divided fronds that have an airy and delicate texture, offering a fresh green color throughout the growing season. The young fronds emerge with a purplish hue, which gives this variety its name 'Purpurascens,' suggesting a purple-tinted aspect. As the fronds mature, they transition to a deeper green but retain hints of their purplish or coppery color, particularly at the base or when new growth emerges. The plant has a robust, upright and spreading growth habit, forming a circular colony of fronds that appear bushy and lush. This fern creates a natural vase shape with its arching fronds, which can add both vertical and horizontal interest in shaded gardens. The fronds are divided into smaller leaflets, which are arranged alternately along the central stem, providing a delicate, feathery texture that sways gracefully in the breeze. In summer, the Royal Fern 'Purpurascens' produces fertile fronds that are distinct from the sterile ones; these may be taller and bear spore-producing structures that offer yet another element of visual interest. The contrast between the fertile and sterile fronds can add to the ornamental appeal of the plant. This fern does not flower, so it relies on the beauty of its foliage to make a statement in the landscape. It prefers moist, shady environments, which makes it a suitable choice for woodland gardens, stream banks, or damp, shaded borders where its richly colored fronds can be showcased.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Osmundaceae
Synonyms
Royal Fern, Regal Fern, Purple Royal Fern
Common names
Osmunda regalis var. spectabilis, Osmunda spectabilis.
ToxicityTo humans
Royal Fern (Osmunda regalis) is not commonly known to be toxic to humans. As a result, accidental ingestion of parts of the Royal Fern is not usually associated with serious health issues. However, consumption of any plant material may cause discomfort or an adverse reaction in certain individuals due to allergies or sensitivities. If someone experiences symptoms after ingesting part of a Royal Fern, it is recommended to seek medical advice.
To pets
Royal Fern (Osmunda regalis) is also not known to be toxic to pets. It is generally considered safe around cats, dogs, and other domestic animals. If a pet ingests part of a Royal Fern, it is unlikely to suffer from poisoning as a result of this specific plant. Nonetheless, ingestion of non-food items can still cause gastrointestinal upset in pets, so monitoring for signs of digestive discomfort is advisable after any such incident. As always, if there is any concern regarding a pet's health after ingestion, it is important to consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Height
5 feet [1.52 meters]
Spread
3 feet [0.91 meters]
Plant type
Fern
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ecosystem Support: The Royal Fern provides habitat and food for a variety of wildlife, including insects and birds.
- Ornamental Value: With its attractive fronds and purplish hue, it adds aesthetic appeal to gardens and landscapes.
- Water Management: As a moisture-loving plant, it can be used to manage wet areas in landscapes, helping to control soil erosion.
- Climate Tolerance: It is hardy in various climates and can survive in a range of temperatures, making it versatile for different gardens.
- Shade Tolerance: It thrives in shady conditions where other plants might struggle, allowing for underplanting in forested areas.
- Biodiversity: The Royal Fern can increase the biodiversity of a garden by providing a unique plant form and structure.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, it generally requires minimal care, making it a suitable choice for low-maintenance gardening.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dye Production: The roots of the Royal Fern can be used to produce a natural brown dye for textiles.
- Garden Design: Because of its striking purplish foliage, the Royal Fern is used in garden design to create a focal point or to add contrast among other plants.
- Erosion Control: Its dense root system can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion on riverbanks or in damp areas of a landscape.
- Floristry: As it grows tall and has distinctive fronds, the Royal Fern can be used in floral arrangements or as a background plant in large arrangements.
- Biomonitoring: The species can be used as an indicator of ecological changes, such as alterations in hydrology or soil pH, in its natural habitat.
- Environmental Education: Due to its unique life cycle and reproduction through spores, it can serve as an educational tool to teach about non-flowering plant reproduction.
- Cultural Symbolism: In certain cultures, ferns including the Royal Fern are a symbol of new life, growth, and sincerity, and thus can be used in cultural events or rituals.
- Wildlife Habitat: The large, dense fronds of the Royal Fern provide hiding spots and habitat for various species of wildlife, particularly in wetland areas.
- Crafts: The dried fronds of the Royal Fern can be used in crafts such as basket weaving or as a decorative element in rustic craft projects.
- Theatre and Film: Due to its dramatic appearance, the Royal Fern can sometimes be used on stage or in film sets to recreate an authentic woodland scene.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Royal Fern is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Royal Fern is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Regality and Grandeur: The species name 'Osmunda regalis' suggests a royal bearing, where 'regalis' actually means 'of the king'. This symbolizes dignity and majesty, reflecting the grand presence of this fern in its natural setting.
- Graceful Aging: The 'Purpurascens' variety, with its purplish tinge that develops with age, symbolizes the beauty and grace of maturation and the value of growing old gracefully.
- Secretiveness or Privacy: Historically, ferns have been associated with secretiveness, as their delicate fronds seem to offer a discrete veil, due to which they often represent solitude and a place where one can keep secrets hidden.
- Ancient Wisdom: As a species, ferns are ancient plants, and Osmunda regalis 'Purpurascens', in particular, is no exception. This plant symbolizes the knowledge of the old world, endurance, and the continuity of generations.
- Fertility and New Beginnings: Ferns often symbolize new growth and fertility because they are among the first plants to colonize disturbed or barren landscapes, akin to the start of new ventures or the birth of ideas.
WaterThe Royal Fern, also known as Osmunda regalis 'Purpurascens', prefers consistently moist soil and should not be allowed to dry out. It is best to water the plant deeply once a week, providing about 1-2 gallons of water each time, depending on the size of the plant and the environmental conditions. During periods of drought or extreme heat, it may be necessary to increase the frequency of watering to maintain soil moisture. However, be cautious not to waterlog the soil, as this can lead to root rot.
LightThe Royal Fern thrives in partial to full shade, making it an ideal plant for shaded garden areas or woodland settings. Direct sunlight can scorch its fronds, so avoid placing it in areas that receive intense afternoon sun. A location that provides dappled sunlight or light shade throughout the day would be optimal to maintain its vibrant foliage and healthy growth.
TemperatureThe Royal Fern is hardy in a range of temperature conditions and can tolerate minimum temperatures down to about 30°F. The ideal temperature range for its growth is between 60°F and 70°F. This fern can survive temperature extremes up to 90°F, but prolonged exposure to high temperatures may stress the plant.
PruningPruning the Royal Fern typically involves removing dead or damaged fronds to maintain a tidy appearance and encourage healthy growth. Prune in early spring before new growth begins or in late autumn after the growth period has ended. It is not necessary to prune this fern frequently; instead, periodic clean-up of old fronds is usually adequate.
CleaningAs needed
SoilRoyal fern prefers a soil mix that's well-draining yet retains moisture, such as a blend of peat, loam, and sand. It thrives in acidic to neutral pH, ideally ranging from 5.5 to 7.
RepottingRoyal ferns generally require repotting every 2 to 3 years, or once the pot becomes root-bound.
Humidity & MistingRoyal fern thrives best at high humidity levels, around 60% to 80%, to mimic its natural, damp habitat.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil consistently moist.
Outdoor
Choose a shaded spot with moist soil and shelter from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
Royal fern is suitable for 3-9 USDA hardiness zones.
Life cycleOsmunda regalis 'Purpurascens', commonly known as the royal fern, begins its life cycle as a spore which, under optimal moisture conditions, germinates to form a gametophyte—an inconspicuous, small, green, heart-shaped thallus. The gametophyte then develops sex organs that produce sperms and eggs; fertilization occurs if water allows sperm to swim to the egg, leading to the development of a new sporophyte—a young fern. This young fern sporophyte initially grows from the gametophyte, eventually becoming independent as it matures and develops a rhizome and fronds. As it reaches maturity, large, compound fronds that can be tinged with purple emerge from the rhizome, giving it the characteristic appearance. On the undersides of mature fronds, sporangia develop in clusters (sori), which later release spores when mature, thus completing the life cycle. The plant is perennial, with the cycle of spore production and frond development repeating each growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-early summer
Propogation: The Osmunda regalis 'Purpurascens', commonly known as the Royal Fern, is typically propagated through spore collection and sowing. The best time to collect spores from the Royal Fern is during late summer when its sporangia, located on the underside of the fronds, turn brown and ripe. To propagate, the spores need to be very finely sown on the surface of a sterilized peat-based potting mix or on the surface of water in a shallow container. The container should then be covered with a plastic lid or wrap to maintain high humidity and placed in a bright area without direct sunlight until germination occurs, which can take several weeks to a few months. Once the spores germinate and form a green film known as prothallus, watering should be done carefully to avoid disturbing the delicate structures. Eventually, young ferns will emerge from the prothallus, at which point they can be transferred to individual pots for further growth.
