🌿 Scientific Name: Dicksonia antarctica
🌿 Common Name: Soft Tree Fern, Tasmanian Tree Fern
🌿 Ideal for: Shaded gardens, exotic planting schemes, woodland borders
🌿 Hardiness: Hardy in mild UK regions with winter protection (down to -5°C)

Introduction to Tree Ferns

Tree ferns (Dicksonia antarctica) are majestic, prehistoric-looking plants that bring a lush, tropical feel to UK gardens. Native to Australia and Tasmania, they are best known for their thick, fibrous trunk and spectacular crown of large, arching fronds. Tree ferns grow slowly but can live for decades when cared for properly.

These ferns are particularly well-suited to shaded or woodland-style gardens, adding dramatic texture and structure to borders, courtyards, or large containers.

🌱 Looking to create a tropical feature in your garden? Browse our Tree Fern Collection for premium plants and accessories.

Benefits of Growing Tree Ferns

✅ Stunning, architectural foliage for shaded spaces
✅ Great for exotic or jungle-themed planting
✅ Long-lived and slow-growing
✅ Can be grown in containers or directly in the ground
✅ Creates a microclimate for shade-loving plants

Optimal Growing Conditions for Tree Ferns

Tree ferns prefer cool, moist, and shaded conditions with protection from strong winds and intense sun.

Sunlight Requirements

☀️ Best grown in dappled or full shade
☀️ Avoid strong afternoon sun, which can scorch the fronds
☀️ Ideal for planting beneath tall trees or in sheltered corners

Soil Requirements

🌱 Moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil
🌱 Add compost, leaf mould, or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil
🌱 Avoid dry, sandy, or compacted soils

📌 Tip: If growing in containers, use a loam-based compost with added organic matter and good drainage.

Planting Tree Ferns

Tree ferns can be grown from logs (trunks without fronds) or as established potted plants.

How to Plant a Tree Fern Log

1️⃣ Soak the base of the trunk in water overnight before planting
2️⃣ Dig a hole deep enough to bury the base by 15–20cm
3️⃣ Backfill with enriched soil and firm in well
4️⃣ Water thoroughly and keep the trunk moist

Spacing & Location

🌳 Allow at least 1 metre between tree ferns and other large plants
🌳 Choose a sheltered, shaded spot with protection from cold, drying winds

Watering & Feeding Tree Ferns

Tree ferns need regular watering, especially during the growing season.

Watering Tips

💧 Water the crown and trunk as well as the soil around the base
💧 During dry periods, water daily (especially newly planted ferns)
💧 Use rainwater if possible, especially in hard water areas

Feeding Tips

🌿 Feed with a liquid seaweed or balanced fertiliser every 2–4 weeks from spring to early autumn
🌿 For best results, use a specialist product like our Tree Fern & Palm Feed
🌿 Apply feed directly to the crown to promote healthy frond growth

Pruning & Maintenance of Tree Ferns

Tree ferns require minimal pruning but benefit from occasional tidying.

✂️ Remove dead or damaged fronds at the base using clean secateurs
✂️ Avoid cutting into the trunk, as it will not regenerate from the sides
✂️ Mulch around the base with leaf mould or compost to retain moisture

Winter Care for Tree Ferns in the UK

While hardy in mild coastal or southern areas, tree ferns need winter protection in most parts of the UK.

❄️ Wrap the crown with horticultural fleece or straw before the first frost
❄️ Insulate the trunk with burlap, bubble wrap, or fleece
❄️ In containers, move to a frost-free, sheltered location or insulate the pot
❄️ Do not cut off green fronds during winter unless damaged

📌 Tip: Water sparingly in winter to avoid rot but ensure the crown never dries out completely.

FAQs About Tree Ferns

1. How fast do tree ferns grow?

Tree ferns grow very slowly, typically adding around 2.5cm (1 inch) of trunk per year under ideal conditions.

2. Can I grow a tree fern in a pot?

Yes – tree ferns do well in large containers. Use a heavy, stable pot with good drainage and position it in shade or dappled sunlight.

3. When should I feed my tree fern?

Feed from April to September every 2–4 weeks with a liquid seaweed or general fertiliser, such as our Tree Fern & Palm Feed, applying it to both the soil and crown.

4. What should I do if my tree fern’s fronds turn brown?

Brown fronds may indicate cold damage, lack of water, or poor feeding. Cut back dead fronds in spring and ensure the crown is kept moist and well-fed.

5. Will my tree fern survive frost?

Tree ferns are hardy to around -5°C, but their crown must be protected from frost. Use fleece or straw during winter for added insulation.

6. Can tree ferns grow back from the trunk if damaged?

No. Tree ferns only grow from the central crown, not from the sides of the trunk. Protect the crown at all costs.

7. How do I revive a tree fern that looks dead?

If no fronds emerge by late spring, gently check the crown for firmness. If it’s soft or hollow, the fern may not recover. If firm, continue watering and feeding as growth may be delayed.

8. Are tree ferns safe for pets?

Yes – Dicksonia antarctica is non-toxic to cats and dogs, making it safe for pet-friendly gardens.

9. Can I cut the trunk to make it shorter?

It’s not advised. The trunk does not re-sprout below the crown, so cutting it risks killing the plant.

10. Where can I buy quality tree ferns in the UK?

Explore our full Tree Fern Collection online to find premium specimens, fertiliser, and expert support.

Final Thoughts on Growing Tree Ferns

Tree ferns bring tropical elegance and timeless beauty to shaded gardens across the UK. With proper watering, feeding, and winter protection, they reward gardeners with dramatic foliage and architectural structure year after year.

🌱 Embrace the jungle look and create your own shady paradise with stunning, slow-growing tree ferns!