Osmunda regalis 'Purpurascens' is a beautiful fern variety with deep purple fiddleheads that mature into huge green fronds with burgundy veins. A hardy variety, it has a vase shaped upright habit, and forms a large rosette. Purple-stemmed Royal Fern fronds are highly attractive with bipinnately compound leaves, which look a bit like leaves of the pea family - but on a grander scale. In midsummer, bold spikes of brown flowers rise above the foliage. Purple Royal Fern adds incredible texture and contrast to other plants in the perennial garden, and woodland settings. The foliage is a striking gold in fall. Grows to 4 feet tall and wide. Osmund Royal Fern likes moist to wet soil. It will grow in full sun if the soil is wet, but prefers partial to full shade. It is a slow spreader. This plant will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and is best cleaned up in early spring before it resumes active growth for the season. Grow as an accent, or ground cover, plant en masse and use in naturalizing, woodland and bog gardens.
