A huge mass of Osmunda regalis has been dug out on its eighteenth anniversary, see attached image. A mass of fibrous root is a characteristic of this terrestrial fern. When this size, the crown can be divided with effort. It is best to swing an axe down on the root, chopping and sectioning the crown into manageable sizes. Plant in the border in a cool, moist situation; they will appreciate a stream side where the water flow is slow. The fronds unfurl slowly from deep within the crown. These plants will withstand bright sunshine just as long as they are set in damp soil.

Osmunda regalis