Dicksonia antarctica (medium size trunk)

Soft Tree Fern

(31 customer reviews)

From: £310.95

The easiest tree fern to cultivate in the UK, Dicksonia antarctica has a spectacular crown of huge, finely dissected foliage on magnificent broad fibrous trunks.

This Dicksonia antactica has a medium sized trunk, sized between 3 – 6 feet tall.

These ferns which are harvested under licence have the roots and fronds removed for easy shipping. Once planted they rapidly and dramatically re-frond.

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Origin: Australia and Tasmania
Genus: Dicksonia
Species / Cultivar: antartica
Common Name: Soft Tree Fern
Synonym: Balantium antarcticum

Plant Biography

Dicksonia are amongst the oldest plants in the world, they even pre-date dinosaurs, existing long before flowering plants evolved. The tall tree fern specimens you can find in wild forests of Australia and New Zealand can be several centuries old.

Dicksonia antarctica (medium size trunk)
Soil: Moisture Retaining
Soil that drains at a slower rate due to higher organic matter content.
Growth Rate: Medium
Expect to see moderate growth during growing season.
Water Requirement: High
Likely to require supplementary watering in warmer months, even once established.
Maintenance: A little
Easy to look after but may occasionally require some attention in order to thrive.
Situation: Part Shade
Enjoys several hours of direct sunlight but may enjoy dappling or shade at midday.
Eventual Height: 6m
The plant's ultimate height in typical growing conditions.
Eventual Spread: 4m
The plant's ultimate spread in typical growing conditions.
Hardiness: Hardy
Survives unprotected in an average winter. May need protection in extreme long frosts.
Habit: Semi Evergreen
May only remain evergreen in milder winters, or only loose leaves for a short period.

Expert Tip

We do not recommend cutting the fronds of the tree ferns as this will lead to the trunk becoming thinner as the plant grows.
Sustainably Sourced

Sustainably Sourced

Most of the larger D.antarctica tree ferns we sell come from Victoria, Australia, whilst the juvenile specimens are grown in Europe.

The trunks of D.antarctica are collected from the wild under the strict monitoring of The Department for Sustainability and Environment, under the Flora and Fauna Act of 1988. This ensures that the harvesting is done in a sustainable way, that will not damage the survival of the ecosystem.

Care & Size Guidance

Care & Size Guidance

Dicksonia antarctica is one of the hardier tree ferns suitable in the UK climate. It prefers a position in dappled shade and requires regular watering at the crown throughout spring and summer in order to keep the trunk damp.

In winter, provide some protection for the crown, for instance with the fleece jackets we offer, against frosts.

Dicksonia antarctica are really slow growing, only gaining about 1-2 inches per year in trunk height. A mature plant, with only 2 ft of trunk, can take 25 to 30 years to grow! When planting a tree fern you will lose some height in order to plant it stably in the ground – for instance about a foot on a medium sized tree fern. Thus we recommend buying a tree fern in the size you want now rather than hoping to see it grow quickly.

I'm very pleased with my tree fern. It has quickly produced lovely long leaves, and looks amazing.

Clare M

I'm very pleased with my tree fern. It has quickly produced lovely long leaves, and looks amazing.

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31 customer reviews for Dicksonia antarctica (medium size trunk)

The Palm Centre were very accommodating in delivering the two tree ferns before the date Id requested (which meant the gardener was still onsite to assist in planting them properly). When the delivery came, the drivers helped carry the tree ferns through the house to the garden – quite a task as they were 4 and 5ft each. They are now the highlight of our small garden. Excellent service all round.

JW

Thank you for the fern. Its a lot larger than I thought, and looks great at the end of my garden. I am very pleased with it.

Andrew Spriggs

Chose the plant from the hothouse myself so I knew it was a beauty. Fingers crossed I get it through its first winter with me. Staff very helpful, courteous and smiling, a truly wonderful place to wander around in.

Sorrel Hamilton

Ordered the 3ft trunk, ground fern, bamboo, and some Hostas. Everything packed v well, arrived in great condition and looking healthy. As a first time gardener and first time customer, I shall definitely come back. I really appreciated all of the specific information and requirements for the individual plants-helpful for someone who doesnt know much! Planted them over a week ago and they look fab, the tree fern is v happy and has unncurled already! The others have also thrived- its a delight to watch!

Lucy