Dicksonia Antarctica | 9cm Pot

Will grow to form a magnificent tree fern. Position: partial to full shade Soil: humus-rich, neutral to acid soil Rate of growth: slow-growing Hardiness: frost tender (will need winter protection) This sought-after fern, will form a thick, tree-like stem as it grows, topped with a crown of large (up to 3m long), filigree-like fronds. One of the oldest plants in the world, once mature, tree ferns are incredibly impressive, and they’ll add a touch of drama to any shady garden. Native to Australia and south-eastern regions in Asia, they are slow growing, so can take up to 10 years to develop a 30cm tall stem. Try them in a semi-shaded spot, among ferns and woodland plants, as part of an exotic scheme, or beside water. They are hardy to -10°C, although the foliage may die back at -2°C. Please note that the photograph shows a mature plant, and as they are quite slow-growing, it may take this young plant up to 30 years to reach that size. Nevertheless, it will still make an attractive addition to a shady garden as it grows! Garden care: As these plants absorb their nutrients through the stem (which ais covered in fibroud roots), it is important to make sure when watering that this is kept moist. They are not fully hardy so will need protection in winter. In milder areas you can do this by gently stuffing a few handfuls of fallen leaves into the crown. In colder parts of the country, pack the crown with straw before wrapping it with strips of frost fleece, or over-winter it in an unheated greenhouse. As the new growth starts to emerge in spring, the protection should be removed.