Photo of Dicksonia antarctica foliage by Danger Garden

Photo by Danger Garden

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Dicksonia antarctica

Also Known As

  • Dicksonia antartica
  • Man Fern
  • Soft Tree Fern
  • Tasmanian Tree Fern

Plant type

tree, fern

size

  • H: 12'-20'
  • W: 6'-12'

planting zones

  • 8b-12

More Options

Dicksonia antarctica plant details

Dicksonia antarctica is a slow-growing evergreen fern or tree with green foliage. Grows well with bright shade - shade and even moisture - regular water. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something humidity tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Dicksonia antarctica

Plant type: fern or tree
Plant family: dicksoniaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 6 FT - 12 FT - wide, 12 FT - 20 FT - tall
Uses: border plant, container plant, tropical-looking, woodland garden, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Dicksonia antarctica

USDA Zones: 8b - 12
Sun exposure: bright shade - shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: deer, humidity and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Tender but SO beautiful!, this tree (to 20') spreads its glossy ferny fronds to 12' over a trunk covered with fibrous red-brown bark. PSh-Sh/M
The Tasmanian Tree Fern, or Man Fern, is a rare and extraordinary evergreen fern native to the cool and humid forests of Tasmania and southeast Australia. Growing up to 16 feet tall, the Tasmanian Tree Fern forms a trunk that can be up to two feet across and long, graceful fronds that can reach as much as 10 feet in length in ideal conditions. But don’t panic if you don’t have space; these ferns grow new fronds at a moderate pace, but the trunk may only grow a few inches in height per year. Preferring cool and moist conditions, this fern is fairly cold tolerant and an handle cool winters. Winter protection can be fairly easy or these ferns fair well to life in a pot so long as they have good drainage, shade, and plenty of watering. Cold hardy to USDA zone 8b and above, or 15 degrees Fahrenheit.
Zn 9. Arching fronds divided into small leaflets.
Evergreen tree fern is an excellent garden specimen to make a bold garden statement with fronds eventually reaching 6-10 feet long. Protect trunk when temperatures are below 25 °F. Plant in nearly full sun to light shade & well drained, moist soil. Can reach 30 feet tall. Zones 8-11.
These impressive tree ferns are one of the oldest plants in the world and their fascinating appearance will soon catch the heart of any gardener. They add drama and style to a semi-shady spot and will happily grow in any soil as long as the trunk is kept moist. Our plants are large and are in 5 gallon pots. Plant in a protected location such as near the house. In winter they must be mulched and the entire trunk insulated with straw and burlap or other creative solutions.
Large, arching fronds on a trunk of interwoven roots. Moist rich soil, protect from winds and cold. Zones 9-11
This highly sought after fern matures with huge 6 ft+ fronds. Can achieve a considerable trunk with age. Best out of winds & under the high shade of evergreen trees. Sails through most years, but requires wrapping or lifting at 20 °F or so. Well worth it. Spore grown; NOT the wild collected trunks some sell.

Gardening facts about Dicksonia antarctica plant

How to Grow Dicksonia antarctica

  • Sun Exposure

    • bright shade - shade
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - regular
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
    • rich
  • Special Situation

    • humidity tolerant
    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Wildlife

    • deer resistant
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
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