The King Ostrich Fern

‘The King’ is a heat-adapted selection of ostrich fern, also known as ‘Fanfare’. Its deciduous fronds make a large, spreading patch, while brown fertile fronds remain upright through winter. ## Growth and seasonal interest Plant Delights describes typical fronds reaching about 3 feet, with plants reaching 6 feet under ideal conditions. The fern spreads vigorously by underground rhizomes, so give it room and avoid placing it beside smaller plants that could be overtaken. Green sterile fronds emerge in spring; shorter brown fertile fronds appear in fall and persist through winter. ## Site and soil This selection tolerates the heat and humidity of the southeastern United States better than ordinary ostrich fern. It grows in sun to light shade, with full sun workable when soil moisture is adequate. It naturally favors moist lowland conditions, yet can also grow in average-moisture soil and tolerate seasonal dry periods. The source lists USDA zones 3a–8b. Source: [Plant Delights Nursery profile for ‘The King’](https://www.plantdelights.com/products/matteuccia-struthiopteris-the-king-ostrich-fern-large-ferns). ## Maintenance Remove old sterile fronds in fall if you want a tidier winter patch, leaving the fertile fronds for winter structure. Monitor the rhizomes and thin the patch if it begins to crowd nearby plants.