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Dicksonia antarctica / 32Cm / 150Cm
Dicksonia antarctica
Confirmed format: 32cm Pot • approx. 150cm supplied height
Plant Highlights: Iconic evergreen tree fern • Graceful arching fronds • Creates a lush, tropical look • Ideal as a specimen for sheltered gardens
Overview
Dicksonia antarctica, commonly known as the Soft Tree Fern, is one of the most admired architectural plants for Irish gardens. Native to the cool, moist forests of south-eastern Australia, it forms a stout fibrous trunk topped with a magnificent crown of long, finely divided fronds, creating a dramatic focal point with a distinctly prehistoric character. Well suited to Ireland's generally mild, damp climate, this slow-growing tree fern thrives in sheltered gardens where it can bring year-round structure and texture to woodland planting, shaded borders and courtyard gardens. Its elegant fronds combine beautifully with hostas, ferns, hydrangeas and other moisture-loving plants.
Why We Love It
Creates an immediate architectural statement with its impressive crown of fronds. Exceptionally well suited to cool, damp Irish gardens. Provides evergreen structure and texture throughout the year. Combines beautifully with shade-loving perennials and other ferns for a lush, layered effect.
Plant Details
| Botanical Name | Dicksonia antarctica |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Soft Tree Fern |
| Plant Type | Evergreen tree fern |
| Light | Partial shade or shade |
| Soil | Fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil |
| Growth Habit | Upright trunk with arching crown of fronds |
| Foliage | Large, finely divided evergreen fronds |
| Seasonal Interest | Evergreen architectural foliage |
| Mature Height | Approximately 2.5m to 4m |
| Mature Spread | Approximately 2.5m to 4m |
| Hardiness | RHS H3 (−5°C to 1°C). Requires a sheltered position and winter crown protection in cold periods. |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Soil pH | Acidic to neutral |
| Water Need | High (requires consistent moisture) |
Growing Guide
| Position | Choose a sheltered position in partial shade or dappled shade, protected from strong winds that can damage the fronds. It performs particularly well in woodland gardens and other humid, sheltered locations. |
|---|---|
| Watering | Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry weather. In warm periods, water the crown as well as the surrounding soil, as new fronds emerge from the top of the trunk. |
| Soil | Plant in fertile, humus-rich, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil. Incorporating plenty of organic matter before planting will help maintain the consistently moist conditions it prefers. |
| Seasonal Care | In colder areas or during severe winter weather, protect the crown with horticultural fleece or dry straw. Container-grown specimens may require additional winter protection, particularly if prolonged freezing conditions are forecast. |
Perfect For
- Woodland gardens
- Shaded borders
- Courtyard gardens
- Feature planting
- Exotic and jungle-style planting schemes
Good to Know
- Tree ferns are very slow growing, with the trunk increasing in height only gradually over many years.
- Protecting the crown during severe frost is the key to maintaining healthy growth and ensuring a fresh flush of fronds each spring.
Product Information
| Supplied Format | 32cm nursery pot |
|---|---|
| Supplied Plant Height | Approximately 150cm tall |
| Please Note | Decorative pots and accessories shown, if any, are not included. |
Growing & care
- Plant type
- fern
- Position & light
- Partial shade· Sheltered
- Watering
- high
- Soil & drainage
- Acid neutral· Well drained· Moist
- Mature size
- 2.5m high· 2.5m wide
- Foliage
- evergreen
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