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Ferns

Alsophila smithii

soft tree fern

A slow-growing tree fern with an upright trunk covered in chestnut-coloured scales eventually reaching 5-8m tall. Fronds to 2.5m long are held horizontally from the crown and made up of soft, delicate leaflets, the longest reaching to 50cm, dark green above and paler green on the undersides

Synonyms
Cyathea smithii

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Size
Ultimate height
4–8 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 Brown Green
Summer Brown Green
Autumn Brown Green
Winter Brown Green
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

Plant range
New Zealand

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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

Propagation

Propagate by sowing spores as soon as ripe

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

Dead or damaged fronds may be removed as necessary

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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