Osmunda regalis 'Purpurascens': Flowering Fern

Osmunda regalis 'Purpurascens', the Purple Royal Fern or Flowering Fern, is a magnificent, deciduous cultivar of the Royal Fern. It forms a large, vase-shaped clump of bipinnate, sterile fronds that emerge a rich, deep purple-red in spring, maturing to blue-green. In early summer, separate, erect, fertile fronds (the "flowers") arise from the center, turning a showy, rusty-brown. The combination of purple new growth and fertile spikes is stunning.

Plant Profile

Royal Fern requires consistently moist to wet, acidic soil and full sun to part shade (more sun with more moisture). 'Purpurascens' colors best with some sun. It is a spectacular plant for bog gardens, pond margins, stream sides, and wet woodlands. The purple spring foliage is a highlight. A classic, large-scale fern for wet sites.