Hardy Tree Fern | Dicksonia antarctica
Fronds as old as the dinosaurs!
Grown by Mike's trusted specialists
Europe
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Plant diary
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Hardy Tree Fern
Dicksonia antarctica
- With its huge arching fronds and hairy brown trunk, this primal plant is as evocative as they come. And when we say primal, we mean really ancient; Dicksonia is an incredibly old genus, dating back all the way to the Jurassic period (roughly 143 million years ago)!
- Growing well in both full and partial shade, this tree fern is a brilliant option for those gardens not blessed with much sun. It likes consistently moist soil and rainier climes, making it an excellent choice for wet, temperate regions (like the west coast of the UK, for instance).
- Tree ferns take a long time to grow, often growing as little as just one inch per year. Buying your fern as an established log therefore offers a much faster way to achieve an impressive plant.
- It's super easy to plant, too ! Just dig a planting hole a little wider than the log's diameter and plant it so that roughly 15-30cm of the log is buried beneath the surface.
- We recommend planting your tree fern alongside other shade-tolerant plants like hostas and heucheras for maximum foliage impact.
- A worthy recipient of the RHS Award of Garden Merit, this tree fern has been recognised as one of the best plants gardeners can choose for their garden.
- Care tip! Wrap your plant in horticultural fleece throughout winter to protect it from frost and cold temperatures.
- Did you know? The 'trunk' of the tree fern isn't actually a trunk in the sense that we know it, but rather, modified rhizomes - a collection of aerial roots - through which water and nutrients are transported.
What to expect
Supplied as
Height on arrival
Eventual height
Eventual spread
Habit
Hardiness
Spacing
Will this grow in my garden?
Can I grow this in a pot?
Yes, Hardy Tree Fern can be grown in a pot initially. Start with a 50cm pot. Depending on its vigour, it may need moving to the ground after a few years. Ensure adequate drainage and water regularly during warm weather above 20°C.
How big does it get?
The Hardy Tree Fern slowly grows to a height of 3 to 4 metres, with a frond spread of up to 2 metres, although it can be maintained at a smaller size with regular pruning.
How much sunlight does this need?
Hardy Tree Fern prefers full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to thrive.
What kind of soil does this plant prefer?
Hardy Tree Fern prefers moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil to thrive. Ensure the soil does not freeze below -5°C for optimal root health, applying a 5cm layer of mulch in winter.
How much watering does this plant need?
Hardy Tree Fern requires regular watering, especially during its first few years of establishment. Provide approximately 10 to 20 litres of water per week, ensuring the soil remains moist but well-drained. During hot weather above 25°C, increase watering frequency to prevent the roots from drying out.
Will this plant need pruning?
Hardy Tree Fern only requires the removal of dead or damaged fronds in spring.
How hardy is this plant?
Dicksonia antarctica has an RHS hardiness rating of H3, meaning it is hardy down to -5°C in mild or coastal areas of the UK, but requires winter protection for its crown in colder regions.
The wider garden
Europe
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Start with a touch of continental sun
Over 99% of our plants are grown in the UK, but where that’s not possible, Mike sources the best specialist growers in Europe for the job. Think citrus warmed by Sicilian sun, topiary trained by Dutch masters, almonds nourished in the Dordogne and bamboo bathed in Tuscan heat. Our handpicked growers nurture these plants to maturity before handing over to our team in the Cotswolds, to toughen them up for UK gardens.
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