Fern, Cinnamon #1
Cinnamon Fern
Osmunda cinnamomea
- Height: Typically 2–5 feet tall in Michigan’s cooler climate
- Spread: Approximately 2–3 feet wide
- Spacing: Plant 2–3 feet apart to allow its elegant, vase-shaped clumps to develop fully
- Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
- Deciduous
- Native to the United States
Description
Cinnamon Fern brings a stunning, textural accent to any landscape with its lush, blue-green, lacy fronds. In Michigan’s cooler climate, these ferns form neat, vase-like clumps that typically reach 2–5 feet in height and spread 2–3 feet wide, making them perfect for filling in shady borders or accenting moist, woodland settings. In early spring, its fertile fronds burst forth in a unique cinnamon-brown hue that offers an inspiring contrast to the surrounding greenery; as the season advances, the healthy vegetative fronds remain beautifully polished and, in the fall, transition to a soft, peachy tone. This adaptable perennial thrives in full to partial shade, prefers humus-rich, consistently moist, and well-drained soils, and is remarkably deer resistant. Additionally, it performs beautifully in containers, adding a modern, refined splash of evergreen elegance to patios or entryways.
General Care
- Sunlight: Thrives in full shade to partial shade; it benefits from 4–6 hours of filtered or dappled light daily.
- Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil with a slightly acidic pH to support robust frond development.
- Watering: Provide consistent moisture during the growing season to maintain vigorous growth, especially when temperatures rise.
- Mulching: Apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the clump to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature—be sure to leave a small gap around the base for proper airflow.
- Pruning: Remove any dead or browning fronds in early spring to refresh the plant’s appearance and encourage new growth.
Cinnamon Fern adds a lovely and refreshing accent to Michigan landscapes, delivering a sophisticated, textural backdrop that remains both inspiring and enduring throughout the seasons.