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About this product
Dicksonia antarctica Tree Fern
Dicksonia antarctica
Tree fern • Trunk approximately 90cm tall
Plant Highlights: Graceful evergreen fronds • Impressive fibrous trunk • Creates a tropical look in shaded gardens • Long-lived architectural specimen • Ideal for woodland planting
Overview
Dicksonia antarctica, commonly known as the Tasmanian Tree Fern, is one of the finest architectural ferns for Irish gardens. Its distinctive fibrous trunk supports a crown of large, arching, finely divided evergreen fronds, creating a lush, tropical appearance that blends beautifully into woodland and shaded planting schemes.
Supplied with a trunk approximately 90cm tall, this established specimen provides instant impact and develops increasing character over time. In Ireland's cool, moist climate it performs particularly well in sheltered gardens, where the elegant fronds create texture and movement from spring onwards.
Why We Love It
- Elegant evergreen fronds create a dramatic tropical effect.
- Mature fibrous trunk provides instant architectural presence.
- Thrives in cool, moist, sheltered gardens.
- Excellent focal point for woodland and shade planting.
- Long-lived specimen that becomes more impressive with age.
Plant Details
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Dicksonia antarctica |
| Common Name | Tasmanian Tree Fern |
| Plant Type | Evergreen tree fern |
| Foliage | Large, arching, finely divided green fronds |
| Seasonal Interest | Fresh fronds unfurl in spring, with evergreen structure maintained throughout the year in mild conditions |
| Growth Habit | Upright fibrous trunk topped with a broad crown of arching fronds |
| Position | Partial shade to full shade |
| Soil | Fertile, humus-rich, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil |
| Watering | Keep both the soil and trunk consistently moist, particularly during warm or dry weather |
| Mature Height | Approximately 3–5m over many years in favourable conditions |
| Mature Spread | Approximately 2–4m |
| Hardiness | Hardy in sheltered Irish gardens. Protect the crown during prolonged severe frost. |
| Container Growing | Suitable for large containers in shaded, sheltered spots |
Growing Guide
Position
Plant in partial or full shade in a sheltered location, protected from strong winds that can damage emerging fronds.
Watering
Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during spring and summer. During dry weather, water directly into the crown and over the trunk as well as around the roots, as the trunk absorbs moisture.
Soil
Grow in fertile, humus-rich, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil. Incorporate organic matter before planting to help retain moisture.
Hardiness and Winter Care
Suitable for outdoor cultivation throughout much of Ireland in sheltered positions. During prolonged severe frost, protect the crown with horticultural fleece or dry straw to safeguard the growing point.
Routine Care
Remove old or damaged fronds in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Apply a generous organic mulch each spring to help conserve moisture and improve soil structure.
Perfect For
- Woodland gardens.
- Shaded borders.
- Tropical-style planting.
- Courtyard gardens.
- Sheltered patios.
- Architectural specimen planting.
- Beside ponds and water features.
Good to Know
The supplied 90cm measurement refers to the height of the trunk and does not include the fronds. Tree ferns grow slowly, with the trunk increasing in height gradually over many years when kept consistently moist.
Product Information
- Botanical name: Dicksonia antarctica
- Evergreen tree fern.
- Trunk approximately 90cm tall.
Growing & care
- Plant type
- fern
- Position & light
- Partial shade· Shade· Sheltered
- Watering
- high
- Soil & drainage
- Well drained· Moist
- Mature size
- 5.0m high· 4.0m wide
- Foliage
- evergreen
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