DICKSONIA antartica

Description and General Information

• Botanical Name: Dicksonia antarctica

• Common Name: Soft Tree Fern, Tasmanian Tree Fern

• Plant Type: Evergreen to semi-evergreen tree fern with striking architectural form.

• Origin: Native to eastern Australia, particularly Tasmania, thriving in cool, moist forest environments.

• Growth Habit: Upright woody trunk topped with a crown of large, arching fronds.

• Size: Typically grows 2–4 metres tall over time in gardens, but can reach 10 metres in native habitats.

• Foliage: Graceful, finely divided fronds up to 2–3 metres long, creating a lush, tropical canopy effect.

• Trunk: Fibrous and brown, formed from tightly packed aerial roots, which also absorb moisture.

• Seasonal Interest: Evergreen in mild climates; may lose some fronds in winter but regrows quickly in spring.

• Garden Uses: Perfect for shaded woodland gardens, tropical-themed plantings, or as a dramatic specimen in large pots or sheltered outdoor spaces.

• Wildlife Benefits: Provides shelter for insects and birds, adding ecological value to shaded garden areas.

Planting Conditions and Ideal Location

• Light Requirements: Prefers partial to full shade; avoid direct midday sun, which can scorch fronds.

• Soil Preferences: Needs moist, humus-rich, and well-drained soil; thrives in a mix enriched with leaf mould or compost.

• pH Range: Tolerates slightly acidic to neutral soils (pH 6.0–7.0).

• Moisture Needs: Requires consistently moist soil and high humidity; does not tolerate drought.

• Planting Time: Best planted in spring or early autumn so roots can establish before extreme heat or frost.

• Spacing: Allow at least 1.5–2 metres between tree ferns for their fronds to spread freely.

• Shelter Needs: Choose a site protected from strong winds, which can damage fronds.

• Container Growing: Can be grown in large pots; use a loam-based compost and ensure good drainage while keeping the rootball moist.

Routine Care, Feeding, and Seasonal Maintenance

• Watering:

  • Keep soil consistently moist at all times.

  • In dry weather, water both the soil and the crown (centre) of the plant to maintain trunk moisture.

• Humidity: Mists of water over fronds and trunk in hot or dry weather help mimic natural rainforest conditions.

• Feeding:

  • Apply a liquid seaweed or balanced liquid fertiliser directly into the crown during the growing season (spring–summer).

  • Avoid overfeeding, as too much nitrogen can cause weak growth.

• Pruning: Remove old, brown fronds at their base to maintain appearance and allow new growth to emerge.

• Mulching: Apply a 5–7 cm mulch layer of composted bark or leaf mould around the base to retain soil moisture.

• Winter Care:

  • Hardy down to around -5°C with protection; in colder climates, wrap the crown with straw and horticultural fleece in winter.

  • Potted plants should be moved to a frost-free but cool, well-lit place if severe frost is expected.

• Pests and Diseases: Generally pest-free; occasional slug and snail activity may affect young fronds.

• Longevity: A slow-growing but extremely long-lived plant, adding dramatic structure for decades if well cared for.

• Size
  3L

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.