Matteuccia or Shuttlecock Ferns.

Matteuccia or Shuttlecock Ferns plants are a popular shade loving plant for the UK. Also known as the Ortrich Fern and Shuttlecock fern due to its upright habit, looking a little like an upturned shuttlecock.

Although they are regarded ar 'water loving' , what they really like is a wet spring and a drier time through summer to autumn.

In the UK thry are a deciduous fern, and it is in spring when the new growth emerges, all bright green and upright thatthe plant is at its best. They grow well in filtered shade, and a position beneath deciduous trees is suitable as long as the soil is not impoverished.

These are a stoloniferous fern, they spread by underground runners.Over time they form a good clump, however are not seen as invasive.

Matteuccia Varieties include :

• Matteuccia struthiopteris is a wonderful upright species, deciduous but hardy in the garden. Reaching a height of nearly 2m this wonderful fern grows well in part shade to almost full sun. A well drained humus rich soil is best.
• Matteuccia orientalis - same as above
• Matteuccia pensyvanica - same as above

Propagion is by division of larger clumps or from spores.

Species include: Matteuccia orientalis, Matteuccia struthiopteris.

Matteuccia or Shuttlecock Ferns are available fro sale from the following nurseries

LONG ACRE PLANTS - Tel 01963 32802
South Marsh, Charlton Musgrove. Wincanton, Somerset, BA9 8EX
A large range of unusual perennials, bulbs and ferns in any semi- or fully shaded position in the garden, grown here in Somerset using peat free compost.
www.plantsforshade.co.uk