Matteuccia orientalis - Ostrich Fern

Matteuccia orientalis, also known as Onoclea orientalis, is a beautiful and large non-invasive Asian species, with an almost tropical appearance. It deserves a prominent place in a privileged location. It forms majestic sterile fronds in spring. They are initially vertical, then gracefully arch into a widely open funnel from which a bouquet of plumeous sterile fronds emerges in late summer. These evergreen fronds are thinner. They are initially olive-green, then blackish-blue in autumn, and finally coloured dark brown by mature spores. Sometimes called ostrich fern, this plant is quite rare in cultivation. It is simply magnificent at the edge of a pond, in the shaded corner of a porch, or near a doorway. Grow it in moist, humus-rich soil, in a shaded position.

Matteuccia orientalis is a fern with a rhizomatous rootstock, originating from Russia, Korea, China, the Himalayas, India, and Japan. This plant, formerly classified in the Woodiaceae family, now belongs to the Onocleaceae family. The plant has an upright habit, with a very spreading clump of large fronds arranged in a crown. They emerge from the ground and reach a minimum height of 70 to 80cm (28 to 32in) and width of 1m (3ft). Its thick rhizomes grow on the surface of the soil. The new croziers (curiously coiled shoots characteristic of ferns) emerge from the ground as early as April. They are triangular, sometimes measuring 1m (3ft) long and 30cm (12in) wide at the base, with a thick structure, composed of very tender green leaflets. These leaflets are also lanceolate and quite narrow. In late July or August, narrow and feathery fronds, not exceeding 40cm (16in) in height, emerge from the centre of the crown. They are initially olive-green before turning brown and have curled edges. They are graceful and delicate like lace, covering the plant's sori (reproductive cells) under their undulations. This plant is not invasive.

Matteuccia ferns are enchanting large ferns. Depending on the species, they are either very stoloniferous or not at all. Depending on the space you have, this characteristic must be taken into consideration. Matteuccia orientalis is one of the most reasonable in its growth. While it can tolerate -15°C (5°F) for a short period, it is susceptible to prolonged frost, especially in waterlogged soil. Divine in the understory, under deciduous trees or bushes, it deserves to be planted near a shaded walkway, a small stone structure, or a garden staircase, as it forms a high-class union with stones. It can also be planted near a water feature, reflecting its architectural silhouette animated by luminous undulations. The miracle of its emerging croziers always intrigues and will amuse children. It can be accompanied by loosestrifes, mind-your-own-business, meadow rues, or columbines in loose and moist soil, sheltered from the intense sunlight that darkens the fronds. In our garden, we have paired it with Japanese primrose and Spanish bluebell, which self-seed among its rhizomes.