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Dicksonia antarctica / 24Cm / 135Cm
Dicksonia antarctica
Confirmed format: 24cm Pot • approx. 135cm supplied height
Plant Highlights: Magnificent tree fern with an established trunk • Graceful arching evergreen fronds • Creates a lush woodland or tropical effect • A striking specimen for sheltered gardens
Overview
Dicksonia antarctica, commonly known as the Soft Tree Fern, is one of the most iconic architectural plants for Irish gardens. Native to the cool forests of south-eastern Australia, it forms a sturdy fibrous trunk crowned with a canopy of elegant, arching fronds that bring a distinctive woodland character to shaded spaces. Combined with Hostas, ferns, Rodgersias and shade-loving perennials, it creates a rich, layered effect with year-round structure.
Why We Love It
Its timeless appearance makes it an outstanding focal point in woodland gardens, sheltered courtyards and exotic-style planting schemes.
Plant Details
| Botanical Name | Dicksonia antarctica |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Soft Tree Fern |
| Plant Type | Evergreen tree fern |
| Supplied Form | 24cm Pot |
| Supplied Height | Approximately 135 cm |
| Foliage | Large, arching evergreen fronds |
| Position | Partial shade to full shade |
| Soil | Fertile, humus-rich, moisture-retentive, well-drained soil |
| Mature Height | Approximately 2.5–4m |
| Mature Spread | Approximately 2.5–4m |
| Hardiness | RHS H4 (−10°C to −5°C). |
| Growth Rate | Slow-growing (~2.5cm trunk height per year) |
| Soil pH | Acidic to neutral |
Growing Guide
| Planting & Position | Plant in a sheltered position in partial or full shade, in fertile, humus-rich soil that remains consistently moist without becoming waterlogged. In exposed locations, shelter from drying winds will help maintain healthy fronds. |
|---|---|
| Watering | Regular watering is particularly important during dry spells, keeping both the soil and the fibrous trunk moist during the growing season. |
| Mulching | Apply a generous mulch each spring to help conserve soil moisture and improve soil structure. |
| Seasonal Care & Pruning | In colder parts of Ireland or during severe winter weather, protect the crown at the top of the trunk from prolonged frost using a breathable insulating material. Remove damaged or weathered fronds in spring before new growth emerges. |
Perfect For
- Woodland gardens
- Shaded borders
- Architectural planting
- Exotic-style gardens
- Sheltered courtyards
- Feature planting
Good to Know
- Keep both the soil and the fibrous trunk moist during the growing season.
- In colder areas or severe winter weather, protect the crown from prolonged frost with breathable insulating material.
Product Information
| Supplied Format | 24cm Pot • approx. 135cm supplied height |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Evergreen tree fern |
| Features | Forms a dramatic crown of large arching fronds |
| Growing Conditions | Best grown in partial shade or full shade in fertile, humus-rich, moisture-retentive, well-drained soil |
| Winter Protection | Benefits from winter protection to the crown during prolonged severe frost in colder or exposed locations |
Growing & care
- Plant type
- fern
- Position & light
- Partial shade· Shade· Sheltered
- Watering
- high
- Soil & drainage
- Acid neutral· Well drained· Moist· Consistently moist
- Mature size
- 4.0m high· 4.0m wide
- Foliage
- evergreen
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