Description
Dicksonia antarctica the much loved and most often planted tree fern in the British Isles is without doubt one of the most impressive ferns available to gardeners here with spectacular large evergreen fronds up to 3 metres long held on a stout fibrous trunk. Often known as the Tasmanian Tree Fern it is naturally found growing from South Eastern Australia through to Tasmania.
For us gardeners here, the tolerance of this tree fern to cope with being ‘harvested’ whilst being a semi-mature, even elderly specimens, is remarkable. It’s thought that the original specimens to arrive in the British Isles arrived as ballast on the hulls or merchant ships and were discarded in parts of the West Country such as Falmouth where they were seen to sprout new fronds. Fortunately this was spotted by enterprising gardeners and the trunks were rescued, subsequently planted and now flourish in many of the great Cornish gardens often naturally by spores, producing genuine home-grown tree ferns.
Ideally suited to shady, sheltered locations and high rainfall and generally hardy to -5°, Dicksonia Antarctica is relatively easy to grow. For many of us here it is likely that we will experience colder and dryer conditions than is really suitable but fortunately it is possible to protect both the trunk, leaves and crown with straw or similar in the worst of the weather. I would also consider adding extra irrigation by fixing a simple dripper or sprinkler to the crown or uppermost parts of the trunk to help your Dicksonia grow well. There has been much discussion about feeding, some say it’s not necessary but personally I like to help newly establishing plants along with dilute liquid feeds of seaweed extract. I also ‘treat’ my established ferns to a teaspoon of slow-release fertilizer each spring, directly added to the crown before the new seasons fronds emerge.
Like all ferns, good soil preparation is essential too. In the wild, Dicksonia grow in fertile humus rich soil so I recommend adding good compost or well-rotted farmyard manure to your soil before planting. I guess I should point out that years ago when Dicksonia were first imported, some unscrupulous sources claimed that they didn’t have roots and wouldn’t regrow any either saying that the trunk itself was enough to sustain growth. This simply isn’t true, even large 2 meter ferns will readily regrow a new root system, it’s just a ‘lucky for us’ quirk of nature that Dicksonia tolerate having their in the ground root system cut off allowing them to be harvested and sold to the nursery trade.
It’s also important to know that Dicksonia antarctica harvesting is heavily regulated and that most tree ferns exported these days come as a by-product of softwood forestry plantations where they form an amazing understorey much like bracken grows wild here.
To avoid confusion – Please note measurements are the height of the trunk not including leaves.
- Eventual Size:Up to 4 metres.
- Position:Full shade, Partial shade.
- Foliage:Evergreen (can be deciduous in colder areas).
- Habit:Tufted.
- Soil:Moist but well-drained.
- Hardiness Rating:H3 - Hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1).
- Other common names:soft tree fern, Australian tree fern, Tasmanian tree fern, woolly tree fern
Betty Pate (verified owner) –
I picked up my generous 45-59cm fern just before Christmas and yesterday gifted it to my partner. He is delighted with it and is currently doing his research into it’s care. I was really impressed with the nursery and their obvious knowledge and eagerness to pass this on. Thank you so much 😊
purpleopal88 (verified owner) –
Tree fern arrived in perfect condition, was delighted when I unwrapped it and saw how beautiful and healthy it was, it is absolutely perfect, thank you big plant nursery
stewadsworth (verified owner) –
Just received my tree fern, really pleased with the size, bigger than expected. Never been let down with big plant nursery and will definitely be shopping there again.
maurice.savill1 (verified owner) –
Very impressed with our 2L tree fern, arrived promptly in excellent condition. Will definitely use this company again – am planning a trip to the nursery next month. BTW thank you for the sweeties!
Paul Bentley (verified owner) –
I received my tree fern a few months ago and thought i had left a review, but nope lol. Ordered it last year and the guys overwintered it for me so it came to me in great shape and just getting into this years growth. So made up with the size and condition absolutely fantastic, its currently pushed out 5 new fonds and can see many more in the crown. So happy and feels so right in the garden, can sit and stare at it all day long hahaha i do need more I think they are that great. Many thanks again.
lorna harvey (verified owner) –
I am so happy with my tree fern.
The quality is superb
It was packed to perfection
I look forward to many more purchases from this company
louise-brown2010 (verified owner) –
Just in love with my new tree fern-
It arrived in perfect condition- I was amazed that it had both last years old foliage and new throngs emerging. It seems to be excellent quality. From ordering to delivery couldn’t rate this company high enough. 🌴🌴
Lestacia Stephen (verified owner) –
Another great order fulfilled by Big Plant Nursery – this time a 3 foot tree fern. I ordered it in late winter, for spring delivery, and it arrived in great condition with beautiful fronds from last year!! Can’t wait for this year’s growth. Many thanks.
Jayne Macpherson (verified owner) –
My tree fern arrived yesterday at 6.30 after the driver had been out for 2 days delivering all over the country to get them to customers safe and before the frongs came out.
He kindly phoned base and I had some great advise about how to plant, as this is my first tree fern. I had lots of advice before I bought it too.
Can’t fault the customer service and knowledge of the team. would highly recommend big plant nursery
tirobbo –
Most big garden nursery’s are very good but The Big Plant Nusery is exceptional. From a phone call (most garden centres don’t) from them to say the Dicksonia Antarctica had come in so hard to obtain at the moment. One was reserved straight. Came well packed on a pallet. As a customer you very often need advice. Sent an email late at night next morning Nick Smith replied answering my questions. First class from start to finish recommend to anyone browsing to use this company. Product supplied and aftercare excellent.
Thank you very much.
Stormee McCarthy –
Hi, I recently ordered a hedychium from your nursery, which arrived in perfect condition, 5 days from order date, in a large enough box to accommodate both the plant and the stake that came with it.
I was very impressed with the packaging and the health of the plant.
Thank you, Big Plant Nursery for your attention to detail, and the lovely healthy plant.
Kathryn Severn (verified owner) –
Hi, I ordered two 5′ Dicksonia in September and they arrived in lovely condition, well protected with fronds emerging and about a foot high. The ferns have now been in the ground three weeks and look superb with enormous fronds stretching Heavenwards. Really pleased with them and would thoroughly recommend BPN.
Stephen (verified owner) –
Received my tree fern today. Had to wait a while for them to come in again. Yet again Big plant Nursery have made my week every time a specimen plant. Just delighted.
Andrea (verified owner) –
Would just like to say how delighted I am with my beautiful new 3ft tree Fern. (slightly bigger than promised!). Quality fern at a great price, arrived super fast as well. Lots of fronds waiting to come out, gave it a good soaking when arrived and will pot it up this weekend. Can’t wait until next spring when the fronds come out properly. Will look stunning next to my smaller one. Many thanks will definitely use this company again
Sian Walker (verified owner) –
Ordered a 30-40cm tree fern, it came in good time, perfect condition, packed very well and was 40cm , so pleased and will definitely order from you again. Thanks very much
Tim Kirby (verified owner) –
3/6/2020
my tree fern 1.5l arrived in excellent condition and a good size
fantastic
thank you so much
Tim
Diane Bell (verified owner) –
Perfect. As pictured and described. Bought a 5 litre pot for a lockdown anniversary present instead of flowers so it would be a reminder of 2020. Despatched in good time and delivered in perfect condition. Recipients are delighted. I shall be back for more plants from Big Plant Nursery now I have found a reliable mail order plant company. ( I was a little apprehensive as I have been disappointed with other mail order plant nurseries in the past.)
Alex –
Has made real impact in the garden, the fronds are massive. Pre-ordered a 6 footer for next year can’t wait!
James –
As described, healthy plants.