Osmunda regalis

Royal fern, Osmunda regalis, is a stunning, giant fern that really lives up to its regal name. In spring, huge, bright green fronds unfurl and filter the sunlight. In autumn, they turn bronze before dying back. A deciduous fern, it forms a natural, rounded shape and looks fantastic planted near a pond or stream, where its feathery fronds will be reflected in the water.

Grow Osmunda regalis in damp, preferably acid soil, with other moisture-loving, large foliage plants such as rodgersia and gunnera.