Tree Fern (Dicksonia Antarctica)
The Majestic Soft Tree Fern
Transform your garden into a prehistoric paradise with the stunning Tree Fern, one of nature's most dramatic and architectural plants. This magnificent specimen brings an exotic, tropical atmosphere to any outdoor space whilst being surprisingly hardy for the British climate.
Plant Overview
Scientific Name: Dicksonia antarctica
Common Names: Soft Tree Fern, Tasmanian Tree Fern, Australian Tree Fern
Plant Type: Evergreen tree fern
Origin: Australia and Tasmania
Mature Height: 4-6 metres (13-20 feet)
Spread: 3-4 metres (10-13 feet)
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate (10-25cm annually)
Key Features
The Tree Fern's most striking characteristic is its magnificent crown of soft, feathery fronds that unfurl like giant fiddle heads in spring. The thick, fibrous trunk develops slowly over many years, creating a living sculpture that serves as a focal point in any garden. Unlike many exotic plants, this remarkable fern can withstand British winters when properly established.
Growing Conditions
Light Requirements
Thrives in partial shade to dappled sunlight. Avoid full sun exposure, which can scorch the delicate fronds. Morning sun with afternoon shade provides ideal conditions.
Soil Preferences
Requires moist, well-draining, humus-rich soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0). Heavy clay soils should be improved with organic matter, whilst sandy soils benefit from regular mulching to retain moisture.
Water Needs
High water requirements, particularly during the growing season. The fibrous trunk should be kept consistently moist by watering directly onto the crown. During dry spells, daily watering may be necessary.
Temperature Tolerance
Hardy to approximately -5°C to -8°C (23°F to 18°F) when established. Young plants require winter protection in colder regions.
Planting and Care
Planting Instructions
Plant in spring after the last frost. Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball but no deeper than the existing soil level. The trunk should sit at the same level as it was growing previously. Water thoroughly after planting and maintain consistent moisture.
Ongoing Maintenance
Remove dead or damaged fronds by cutting close to the trunk with sharp, clean secateurs. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in spring. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds, keeping mulch away from the trunk itself.
Winter Protection
In colder regions, protect the growing crown with horticultural fleece or straw during harsh weather. The trunk can be wrapped with hessian or bubble wrap for additional protection.
Garden Design Uses
The Tree Fern makes an exceptional specimen plant for creating dramatic focal points in woodland gardens, shaded courtyards, or as part of a tropical-themed planting scheme. It pairs beautifully with other shade-loving plants such as hostas, astilbes, and rhododendrons. Its architectural form provides year-round structure and interest.
Propagation
Tree Ferns are typically propagated from spores, a process requiring patience and expertise. Most gardeners prefer to purchase established plants from reputable nurseries.
Common Challenges
Slug and Snail Damage: Young fronds are particularly susceptible. Use organic slug pellets or copper tape for protection.
Drought Stress: Insufficient watering causes fronds to brown and drop. Maintain consistent moisture levels.
Cold Damage: Unexpected frosts can damage new growth. Monitor weather forecasts and provide protection when necessary.
Why Choose Tree Fern?
This extraordinary plant offers unparalleled drama and exotic appeal whilst being more cold-tolerant than many assume. Its prehistoric appearance creates an instant conversation piece, and its slow growth means it's a long-term investment that will grace your garden for decades. The Tree Fern represents excellent value for gardeners seeking to create a unique, tropical atmosphere in temperate climates.
* Large specimen trees are only available to purchase on our garden centre.
Please Note: Plants in pot sizes 15 litre and over will require a pallet delivery starting at £79.99 per pallet. Due to domestic courier weight restrictions delivery is only possible via a freight courier on a pallet. Unfortunately, we are restricted to a maximum consignment height of 2m, this has to include the height of the pallet and the height of the pot.
Please note that the trunk size includes the part in the ground (approximately 10-15cm in the ground).
Buying Ferns from Jacksons Nurseries
Please note that at this time of the year, our plants might be dispatched in 9cm pots or freshly potted to ensure timely despatch
Unlike many garden centres, supermarkets and some nurseries here at Jacksons Nurseries we sell the majority of our stock all year round. Our stock is for the most part grown outdoors making it far hardier than those grown under glass and/or only sold ‘In Season’.
Here at Jacksons Nurseries we would favour a hardy outdoor grown plant every time. They are far less likely to suffer from the shock of being planted in colder conditions and they will begin to establish more rapidly the following spring. This can mean that they don’t look like a ‘picture perfect’ plant when purchased out of season but with the correct care and a little time you’ll have a wonderful plant to enjoy for many years to come.
Availability: Stock availability figures are provided as a guide only. There is a delay between orders being placed and the plants being gathered by our pulling team. During this time it may be possible for a member of the public to purchase these plants from our Garden Centre, while this is rare it is a possibility and we will notify you of any problems as soon as possible. This figure may also include plants that have not yet be flagged as unsaleable.
Pre-order: Pre-order times are given as a guide only and may vary dependent on the growing season. Orders containing Pre-ordered products will be shipped as a single order when all items become available. Large orders may be part shipped, please contact us on 01782 502741 or email sales@jacksonsnurseries.co.uk.
Ferns love a sheltered, humid and shady position in the garden and make striking features with a Jurassic, exotic touch. They are slow growing plants with delicate spreading fronds, and they work beautifully as a dramatic focal point in any shady area.
Planting and Conditions
Generally, tougher varieties of fern will tolerate any soil—but they would prefer a free draining soil. Ferns have fine roots, and would prefer loose soil if possible.
Waterlogged soil does not work well for ferns (unless they are wetland or bog garden ferns).
To prepare soil for planting, add compost such as leaf mould, shredded bark or grit and gravel for heavier soil types. Don’t add fresh manure, and be careful with strong fertilizers as the fine roots are very sensitive to it.
Do not plant or move ferns during the winter or dormant season. The best time for planting ferns is between April and October.
Aftercare and Pruning
Ferns, as a rule, do not need any pruning, and are renowned for being very low maintenance. Some ferns need no care at all after the first few years where they must be watered once or twice a week.
Other varieties, and tree ferns in particular, need regular watering during dry spells as the crown and trunk will not tolerate drying out at all. With tree ferns, ensure the trunk remains damp and spray it with water during hot weather, and during dry conditions in the winter months.
To encourage rooting with tree ferns, don’t feed the plant during its first year.
If you are a keen gardener and wish to tend to your ferns more intensively, simply remove any dead fronds when they appear, and apply a small layer of mulch every now and again.
Potential Issues
Woodlice, although not harmful to the plant, can look unsightly and can occasionally damage softer plant tissues. Leave them be, or brush them off if they are causing a problem.
The red spider mite can cause issues, especially if your ferns are kept in greenhouses. They suck sap from leaves, causing unhealthy looking fronds on ferns. Heavily infested plants may die.
If you have a red spider mite infestation in your greenhouse, you can introduce the predatory mite to resolve the problem.
If you would prefer to use chemical controls, do so with pesticides. Avoid spraying them onto nearby flowering plants to avoid harming pollinators.
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