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Dicksonia antarctica

soft tree fern

An evergreen tree fern, but deciduous in colder areas, growing slowly to 4m in height, with a stout reddish-brown stem and a terminal rosette of arching, deeply divided, glossy dark green fronds to 3m in length

Other common names
Australian tree fern
Tasmanian tree fern
see morewoolly tree fern
Synonyms
Balantium antarcticum
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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 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
  • Full shade
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3
Botanical details
Family
Dicksoniaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Tufted
Genus

Dicksonia are evergreen tree ferns, but may be deciduous in cold areas, with a stout erect, trunk-like rhizome clothed in fibrous roots, and bearing a rosette of large, pinnately divided fronds at the apex

Name status

Correct

Plant range
E Australia

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow outdoors in a moist but well-drained humus-rich soil. In hot, dry summers water the stem but avoid watering the crown in winter. 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
  • Patio and container plants
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Dead or damaged fronds may be removed as necessary

Pests

Generally pest-free outdoors

Diseases

Generally disease-free outdoors

Get involved

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