Dicksonia Antarctica is the best known of all tree ferns originating in Australia and Tasmania. It has been grown in Britain for many years for its ease of cultivation, great beauty and hardiness. It is named after James Dickson, 1738-1822, a Scottish nurseryman and botanist.

It will tolerate some degree of exposure to sun, but dislikes very strong winds. Pick a sheltered spot in the semi-shade for optimal, maximum growth. Whilst this tree fern is hardy to around -10°C, winter protection is recommended by covering the crown with straw or leaves. The trunk should be watered frequently during dry weather because the roots of tree ferns actually travel down the inside of the trunks of the plants. The foliage appears at the top of the trunk in spring, and unfurls from the centre into large, dark green fronds.

Growing Requirements

Soil
Dicksonia Antarctica thrives in filtered sunlight and well-drained, aerated soils with lots of organic matter and water and prefers damp sheltered woodland. It will withstand some drying out and can survive in dry conditions.

Size
These ferns can grow to 50ft (15m) in height, but more typically will reach about 15 to 17ft (4.5 to 5m) in the UK with a growth rate of about 2in (5cm) per year.

Propagation
Propagation is mainly from spores, but plants can also be grown from plantlets occurring around the base of the rhizome. The spores can be sown at any time on the surface of a finely-sifted loam and peat mix in well-drained pots which need to be kept moist and covered with a sheet of glass.

Family: Dicksoniaceae
Genus: Dicksonia

Tags: dicksonia antarctica, Ferns, garden plant, ornamental garden plant, soft tree fern

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