East facing, north facing, south facing, west facing
Position in border:
Back, middle
Shade type:
Damp
Soil
Acidic / Well Drained / Light / Sandy
Tree ferns, Dicksonia, are becoming more and more popular. Native to Australia and New Zealand, they are some of the oldest plants in the world and make a dramatic statement in the garden.
Dicksonia antarctica is one of the hardier tree ferns. Its thick mass of roots form a trunk, from which large, long, filigree-like fronds appear. It works well when combined with ferns and other woodland plants, or in an exotic planting scheme.
For best results grow Dicksonia antarctica in partial to full shade in moist soil. In winter protect the crown by wrapping it up with straw, horticultural fleece or even dead fronds. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its Award of Garden Merit (AGM).
Plant calendar
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Plant
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Dicksonia and wildlife
Dicksonia has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.
