Tree Fern Care Guide – Growing Dicksonia antarctica in the UK 2025
🌿 Botanical Name: Dicksonia antarctica
🌿 Common Name: Tasmanian Tree Fern, Soft Tree Fern
🌿 Ideal for: Shaded borders, exotic planting, woodland gardens, containers
🌿 Hardiness: Hardy down to -5°C with protection
Introduction to Tree Ferns
Dicksonia antarctica, or the Tasmanian Tree Fern, is one of the most dramatic and ancient plants you can grow in the UK. With its furry brown trunk and lush, arching fronds, it brings instant jungle-like impact to shaded gardens and sheltered patios. These slow-growing ferns are native to cool, damp forests of Australia and thrive in the UK's mild, temperate climate.
Tree ferns are best known for their statuesque trunks, which grow slowly over time, and their lush green crowns that unfurl like ancient scrolls. Available in various trunk sizes, they can be grown in the ground or large containers.
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Best Growing Conditions for Tree Ferns
Light Requirements
☀️ Thrive in dappled or full shade
☀️ Avoid hot, direct sun which can scorch the fronds
☀️ Ideal under tall trees, in courtyards, or north/east-facing borders
Soil Requirements
🌱 Moist, humus-rich, well-draining soil
🌱 Slightly acidic to neutral pH
🌱 Improve heavy soils with compost, bark, or leaf mould
📌 Tip: For containers, use a loam-based compost with added bark or grit for drainage and aeration.
Planting Dicksonia antarctica
1️⃣ Choose a sheltered, shady location protected from wind
2️⃣ For bare trunk ferns, plant 15–20cm deep, ensuring stability
3️⃣ Backfill with enriched compost and water thoroughly
4️⃣ Stake if necessary to support young or tall specimens
5️⃣ Keep the crown moist during establishment
Watering & Feeding Tree Ferns
Watering Tips
💧 Water the crown and trunk, especially during dry weather
💧 Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
💧 Mist fronds during heatwaves or dry spells
Feeding Tips
🌿 Feed from spring to early autumn every 2–4 weeks with liquid seaweed or a specialist tree fern feed
🌿 Apply feed directly into the crown and around the base
Pruning & Maintenance
✂️ Remove dead or damaged fronds at the base
✂️ Avoid cutting into the trunk – all new growth emerges from the crown
✂️ Do not trim green fronds as they nourish the plant
Winter Care for Tree Ferns in the UK
While tree ferns are hardy, they benefit from protection in colder months.
❄️ Wrap the crown in fleece or straw in late autumn
❄️ Insulate the trunk with hessian or bubble wrap in exposed areas
❄️ Lift or move container plants into a greenhouse or sheltered porch
❄️ Reduce watering but don’t let the crown dry out completely
FAQs About Dicksonia antarctica
1. How fast do tree ferns grow?
Very slowly – around 2.5cm (1 inch) per year in the UK. They are long-lived and worth the wait.
2. Can I grow a tree fern in a pot?
Yes – use a large, stable pot with good drainage. Ideal for patios or shaded balconies.
3. When should I feed my tree fern?
Start in April through September, using a liquid seaweed or specialist feed every few weeks.
4. What size tree fern should I buy?
It depends on your space and budget – we offer 1ft, 2ft, and 6ft options, all available online.
5. Do I need to protect it in winter?
Yes – especially the crown. Insulation is key to helping it survive cold, wet winters.
6. Is it evergreen?
Yes – fronds remain through winter but may get damaged. New growth appears in spring.
7. Can I plant a bare trunk tree fern?
Absolutely – just ensure the crown is kept moist and the trunk is stable.
8. Is it pet-safe?
Yes – Dicksonia antarctica is generally considered non-toxic to pets.
9. Will it survive frost?
With proper protection, yes. It tolerates down to -5°C, but prolonged frost requires wrapping.
10. Where can I buy a tree fern in the UK?
Shop our full range at Web Garden Centre:
Final Thoughts on Growing Tree Ferns
Tree ferns like Dicksonia antarctica bring lush, tropical texture and timeless structure to shaded gardens. Whether planted in borders or containers, they reward patient gardeners with majestic fronds and unique form.
🌿 Explore all sizes of Dicksonia antarctica today at Web Garden Centre and bring Jurassic style to your outdoor space.