Tree Fern Dicksonia Antarctica 5 Litre Pot

Our soft tree ferns are cut from the forests in Tasmania. Dicksonia antarctica is an evergreen tree fern with long, arching fronds that unfurl dramatically from the crown of the trunk, lending a wonderfully Jurassic feel to a shady planting scheme. It grows slowly to around 4m in height, developing a stout, fibrous reddish-brown stem topped with a generous rosette of deeply divided, glossy dark green fronds that can reach up to 3m in length. In colder areas it may behave as deciduous, but given a sheltered spot it will hold its fronds through much of the year.

Growing conditions

Soil and position: Soft tree ferns thrive in humus-rich, moisture-retentive, acidic soil in a partially or fully shaded position. A sheltered spot — such as a woodland garden, courtyard or the shade of taller trees — will protect the fronds from drying winds and hard frosts. Plant the trunk deep enough into the ground to keep the fern stable and prevent it from toppling in windy weather.

Care

Watering: In dry weather, water the top of the trunk generously and allow the crown to fill with water. The fibrous trunk acts as a sponge, drawing moisture down to the roots, so keeping the crown moist is just as important as watering the base. Avoid allowing the trunk to dry out completely during prolonged dry spells.

Feeding: An occasional liquid feed with a balanced fertiliser during the growing season will encourage strong, healthy frond growth. A mulch of leaf mould or composted bark around the base will help retain soil moisture and gradually enrich the soil.

Winter protection: Once the fronds have been caught by a hard frost, cut them back close to the crown. Pack the top of the trunk with a generous wad of straw or sacking — or another suitable insulating material — and leave this in place until the risk of frost has passed in spring. This protects the growing tip, which is the heart of the plant, from freezing temperatures.

Pruning: Very little pruning is required beyond the removal of frosted or naturally dying fronds. Dead fronds can be cut back tidily at any time to keep the plant looking its best. Allow the fibrous remains of old frond bases to stay on the trunk, as they form part of the stem's structure and help retain moisture.