Not the plant you're looking for? Search over 300,000 plants
Back to search results
Ferns

Alsophila tricolor

silvery tree fern

A frost-tender, evergreen tree fern eventually reaching up to 10m tall with a slender, dark brown stem bearing terminal clusters of arching, divided, mid- to dark green fronds up to 3m long which, when mature, are coloured underneath silvery-grey

Synonyms
Cyathea dealbata

Join the RHS

Become an RHS Member today and save 25% on your first year

Join now
Save to My plants
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 years
Ultimate spread
2.5–4 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Grey Silver
Summer Green Grey Silver
Autumn Green Grey Silver
Winter Green Grey Silver
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

North–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3
Botanical details
Family
Cyatheaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Columnar upright
Genus

A genus of tree ferns, native to the tropics and subtropics, with upright stems and large, dark green fronds on top of the stems

Name status

Correct

Advertise here

How to grow

Cultivation

In areas prone to frost, grow in a container under glass with a minimum winter temperature of 10°C. The plant may be placed outside during the summer in a sheltered and partially-shaded spot. It requires a moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil; in hot, dry summers water the stem as well as the soil, but avoid watering the crown in winter. Apply liquid fertiliser monthly during the growing season. Will grow without winter protection only in milder areas. See tree fern cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by sowing spores as soon as ripe

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • Coastal
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Dead or damaged fronds may be removed as necessary

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.