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Royal fern

DedekindDedekind Posts: 172
in Plants
Hello

I have a royal fern to plant in a shaded border. However I dont want plants there which are too high -- they can block a bit of sun for the rest of the garden otherwise. I read that royal ferns can be up to 2-3m. Is there an easy way to keep them "short"? 

Posts

  • DedekindDedekind Posts: 172
    Fair enough :) 
    How about transplanting? Any big issues? I might put it there now and see how it goes.. worst case scenario I can move it in a couple of years?
  • LG_LG_ Posts: 4,360
    Are you talking about Osmunda regalis? If so, it likes to be wet. If it's not wet enough, it won't grow so tall. I have mine in what is supposed to be a boggy bed, but with the drought we've had it has still got dry, and the plant is quite small. So you could try it and see. Of course, it won't be particularly happy either, so might not look its best - but you never know, you might hit a sweet spot of restricting growth but still being healthy. Is there any particular reason for choosing this fern? Others might be both smaller and happier.
    'If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.'
    - Cicero
  • Silver surferSilver surfer Posts: 4,719
    edited November 2020
    see below
    Perthshire. SCOTLAND .
  • Silver surferSilver surfer Posts: 4,719
    philippasmith2 said:
    In a word  - No :)
    Have a look at other low growing types which would be better suited to your site.

    Agree with philippasmith2
    Osmunda regalis..common name Royal Fern.
     Can grow huge, it also prefers damp soil that never dries out.
    Takes it wet.
    Perthshire. SCOTLAND .
  • DedekindDedekind Posts: 172
    Well the main reason for buying this fern was an impulse buy at the garden centre :neutral:
  • LG_LG_ Posts: 4,360
    Well if you already have it, why not give it a try? And if it's not happy, of is very happy and gets too tall, just move it. It might be lovely there. 
    'If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.'
    - Cicero
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