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 fibrosa is similar to Dicksonia antarctica, only slightly smaller and has lighter coloured fronds. The plant's trunk is formed from a thick mass of roots from which foliage appears in spring, unfurling from the centre to open into large, rich green fronds.
Grow Dicksonia fibrosa outside in in dappled or deep shade in neutral or slightly acidic soil. Keep the plant well watered in summer, and protect the crown in winter by wrapping it with straw or dead fronds. It can also be grown indoors as a conservatory plant.
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Dicksonia and wildlife
Dicksonia has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.
