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Dicksonia Antarctica

Tasmanian Tree Fern - Dicksonia Antarctica

Tasmanian Tree Fern - Dicksonia Antarctica

Tree Ferns
Dicksonia Antarctica
GenusDicksonia
SpeciesAntarctica
Common Names: Australian Tree Fern, Tasmanian Tree Fern, Hardy Tree Fern, Soft Tree Fern, Man Fern
Family: Dicksoniaceae
Growth Rate: Slow
Height: 15m but more likely to reach a slow 5m in the UK. The fern grows at a slow rate of about 5 cm per year.
Spread: 3 to 4m
Position: Partial shade, preferring damp sheltered woodland.
Hardiness: Half Hardy - Protect crown in winter from frost. Zone 8. They are hardy down to -10°C and the foliage is hardy to -2°C
Soil: Humus-rich, neutral to acid soil
Origin: Australia, namely New South Wales, Tasmania, and Victoria.
Summer tips: Keep the trunk and crown  moist. If possible use a permanent irrigation or water at the crown every day.
Winter tips: Protect crown from frost by insulating with straw binded with with chicken wire.
Online suppliers of Dicksonia Antarctica
Sizes are approximate - depending on stock
Size: 60cm trunk available at Best4Plants from £88.99
Size: 70cm trunk available at Eden Project Shop from £100.00
Size: 60cm trunk available at Crocus from £119.99
Size: 30cm plant available at Gardening Express from £29.95
With a thick mass of roots forming a trunk, up to 3m (10ft) long, mid- to dark green fronds. These impressive tree ferns are one of the oldest plants in the world and their fascinating appearance will soon catch the heart of any gardener. They add drama and style to a semi-shady spot, and will happily grow in any soil as long as the trunk is kept moist.

In the wild Dicksonia Antarctica is tolerant of fire and re-shoots readily afterwards. The fern grows at a rate of about 3.5 to 5 centimetres per year and produces spores at the age of about 23 years. It grows in a range of soils but does best on fertile areas. It is particularly suited to garden planting and landscaping purposes and is one of the most popular tree ferns in the world.

Propagation - Spores can be sown at any time in a warm greenhouse. Surface sow and enclose the pot in a plastic bag in order to keep it moist. Place in light shade. Germinates in 1 - 3 months at 20°c. Prick out small clumps of plants when they are large enough to handle and grow on in a shaded part of the greenhouse for at least the first 2 years. The spores can be stored dry for up to 10 years[200].

Tree Fern Harvesting

Ensure your imported tree ferns are accompanied by an environmental tag with a serial number.

Ensure your imported tree ferns are accompanied by a an environmental tag with a serial number.

Other tree ferns available online...

Dicksonia 'fibrosa'

A slow-growing tree fern with delicate light green fronds, superbly architectural - needs protection from the frost and a bit of t.l.c.

Available from: Eden Project Shop

Dicksonia 'squarrosa'

They add drama and style to a semi-shady spot, and will happily grow in any soil as long as the trunk is kept moist. Supplied in an approx 3 litre pot. Height approx 40cms, width up to 80cms.

Available from: Gardening Express

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