Cinnamon fern
Osmundastrum cinnamomeum · Osmundaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant cinnamon fern: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous (disappears in winter)
- Mature size
- 60 to 120 cm tall
- Growth rate
- Moderate to fast
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (zone 2 to 9)
- Origin
- North and Central America
- Soil type
- Acidic, rich in organic matter, well-drained
- Exposure
- Partial shade to full shade
Care
Watering
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during spring and summer growth. Cinnamon ferns appreciate a cool, slightly marshy environment. Reduce watering in autumn and winter when the plant is dormant.
Exposure
Place this fern in partial shade or full shade. It tolerates direct sunlight poorly, as rays can dry out and scorch its delicate foliage. A location sheltered from drying winds is ideal.
Soil and planting
Prepare acidic soil rich in organic matter, enriched with peat or compost. Drainage should remain moderate to avoid complete drying out. A layer of mulch helps retain soil moisture and coolness.
Fertilizer
A modest application of diluted organic fertilizer in spring is usually sufficient. Avoid excess, as this fern prefers naturally rich environments. Annual mulching with well-decomposed compost can replace chemical fertilizer applications.
Pruning and cleanup
Remove dead or damaged fronds in spring before growth resumes. No drastic pruning is necessary; allow the plant to adopt its natural form. Remove fronds from the previous autumn once they turn completely brown.
Diseases and pests
Cinnamon fern is generally very hardy against diseases. Watch for possible fern rust or scale insects in overly dry environments. Excess humidity with poor air circulation can promote rot; maintain good air circulation.
Did you know?
The cinnamon fern owes its common name to the rust-brown fern fiddleheads, which resemble cinnamon sticks. Its sterile (vegetative) light green fronds coexist with upright fertile fronds tinged with rust or brown, creating a beautiful contrast of colors and textures in spring.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Royal fernOsmunda regalis
- Osmunda spectabilisOsmunda spectabilis
- Ostrich fernClaytosmunda claytoniana
- Osmunda japonicaOsmunda japonica
- BasilOcimum basilicum
- LavenderLavandula angustifolia
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.