How to grow tree ferns

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How to grow tree ferns

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BBC Gardeners' World Magazine

Published: Monday, 6 April 2020 at 4:28 pm

Find out how to grow beautiful tree ferns, in our detailed Grow Guide.

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Plant Size:

Height: 600

Spread: 500

Tree ferns are not actually trees, but with their tall ‘trunks’ and dramatic crown of fronds, they do look very tree-like. The trunk is actually a mat of fibrous aerial roots that need to be kept moist. The most common species tree fern grown in the UK is Dicksonia antarctica. Native to Tasmania, it's one of the oldest plants in the world. It's classed as half hardy but will grow in the UK and tolerate quite cold temperatures.

Tree ferns are very slow growing and work particularly well in urban spaces, where they look good against hard surfaces and look particularly striking in shady courtyards. When buying a tree fern, always make sure it has been responsibly sourced.

Where to grow tree ferns

How to grow tree ferns - where to grow tree ferns

Tree ferns can be grown in borders or containers and need a damp, shady, sheltered spot, out of direct sunlight and neutral to acid soil. They grow well in boggy conditions near water too.

How to plant tree ferns

How to grow tree ferns - how to plant tree ferns

The ‘trunk’ of the tree fern is where the roots are, so there is no root ball. Dig a generous hole, adding plenty of organic matter. Staking isn’t necessary, but position the tree fern, backfilling and making sure the tree stands firm.

How to propagate tree ferns

How to grow tree ferns - how to propagate tree ferns

Like all ferns, tree ferns can be propagated by spores, but being such slow-growing plants, it’s a very long-term project.

Growing tree ferns: problem-solving

Tree ferns are relatively pest and disease free.

How to care for your tree ferns

How to grow tree ferns - how to care for tree ferns

It’s important to water your tree fern regularly, making sure the crown and the trunk are kept moist. The fronds may get battered and unsightly over the season, and older fronds will brown and die. However, you can use these old fronds to wrap over the crown to protect it from frost in winter. You can also protect the crown by wrapping it up with straw and horticultural fleece. Trim tatty fronds in early spring.

Tree fern varieties to try

How to grow tree ferns - varieties to try

Dicksonia antarctica – one of the hardier tree ferns. It works well when combined with other ferns and shade tolerant plants, or in an exotic planting scheme. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its Award of Garden Merit (AGM).
Blechnum tabulare – an evergreen fern with large fronds that can reach up to 1m in length, when mature. It’s not a true tree fern, but will eventually develop a trunk.
Dicksonia fibrosa – an evergreen tree fern that grows to 6m, with dark green, fronds up to 2m long.
Cyathea australis – these evergreen tree ferns are slightly more tender and may lose their fronds in colder areas.
Dicksonia youngiae - a hardy fast-growing tree fern with native to the rainforests of Australia.

Advice on buying tree ferns

Always buy from a reputable supplier, as some are harvested from the wild illegally, threatening Tasmanian forests
Ensure your tree fern is healthy and has no signs of frost or wind damage

Where to buy tree ferns

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