Dicksonia antarctica (tree ferns) must be one of the most beautiful plants in the world — with their thick fibrous chocolate-brown trunks and bright green long fronds. Native to Australia and New Zealand, and one of the oldest plants in the world, tree ferns definitely add a statement to any garden!

Clifton Nurseries take sustainability very seriously, and we ensure that all our Dicksonia antarctica are sourced, under licence, from sustainable areas. 

 With the exception of very exposed locations, tree ferns can thrive in the South of England, as long as the following simple care tips are followed.

Requirements: Tree ferns prefer a sheltered, humid environment, protected from strong, drying winds. When planting a tree fern, plant just enough of the trunk to ensure stability. Avoid planting in a frost pocket.

Maintenance: The trunk and particularly the crown must never be allowed to dry out completely. In summer, water well 3 to 4 times per week — water the crown and the trunk and not the ground around the plant. Apply a dilute liquid feed once a month, when in growth, to the fronds and trunk. Specialist tree fern feed is available from Clifton Nurseries. In dry winters, the trunk must still be watered. 

Winter protection: In late autumn push some dry straw, hay, or horticultural fleece into the crown (the top of the trunk where the new fronds appear). This will protect the delicate new fronds from frost. In positions that are not very sheltered, we also recommend wrapping the trunk in fleece. Unless they die back naturally, do not remove fronds during winter — instead, wait until spring before removing any damaged fronds when the new fronds emerge.