We're offering you a Australian Tree Fern 1ft Trunk for £84.99, saving you up to 15% off Thompson and Morgan's's price of £99.99 (correct as of 26.06.2025).

Shaded Garden Plants

Add bold structure and lush greenery to your garden with the Australian Tree Fern (Dicksonia antarctica). Native to the cool rainforests of eastern Australia and Tasmania, this iconic fern is prized for its elegant crown of feathery fronds and impressive trunk.

• Dramatic Fronds: Each plant produces huge, finely divided fronds that can reach up to 1.5m (5ft) in length, creating a spectacular focal point in shaded or woodland gardens.
• Hardy Performer: With proven resilience in the UK’s mild and damp climate, this fern is hardy down to around -5°C (23°F). It’s an excellent choice for gardeners seeking year-round interest with minimal fuss.
• Slow-Growing Investment: The trunk grows slowly—about 3cm per year—eventually reaching heights of up to 4m (13ft), making it a long-lasting centrepiece for your landscape.
• Award-Winning Quality: The RHS Award of Garden Merit confirms its reliability and garden-worthiness.
• Versatile Uses: Plant as a statement specimen in shaded borders, woodland areas, or alongside moisture-loving companions like hostas and astilbes.

Growing Guide & Care

• Position: Prefers partial to full shade; avoid direct midday sun which may scorch fronds.
• Soil: Thrives in moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil. Keep the trunk and roots consistently damp—mulch well and water during dry spells.
• Hardiness: Hardy to -5°C; protect crown with straw or fleece in severe winters.
• Caring Tips: Remove old fronds in spring; feed with diluted liquid fertiliser during growing season for best results.
• Planting Time: Best planted from spring through early autumn when soil is warm and moist.

Design Ideas

• Create a lush, tropical look by pairing with ferns, gunnera, or shade-loving perennials.
• Add height and drama to shaded patios or woodland borders—perfect as a living sculpture!

FAQs

• When is the best time to plant my Australian Tree Fern?
  The best time is spring through early autumn when soil temperatures are mild and moisture is plentiful.
• How fast does the trunk grow?
  This fern grows slowly—expect around 3cm of trunk growth per year under ideal conditions.
• What care does it need over winter?
  The plant is hardy down to -5°C. In colder areas, protect the crown with straw or fleece and keep the trunk moist but not waterlogged.