A stately Australian native tree fern with a fibrous brown trunk crowned by a broad canopy of soft, arching green fronds. A lush, cool-tolerant feature for shaded ferneries and woodland gardens.
At a glance
- Plant type: Fern
- Mature size: 5 m H × 4 m W
- Aspect: part shade or morning sun and shade and low-light positions
- Water: consistently moist soil
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Australian native
About Soft Tree Fern
Dicksonia antarctica is a slow-growing fern in the Dicksoniaceae family, native to Australia. It reaches around 5 m tall and 4 m wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage.
Where to grow Soft Tree Fern
Soft Tree Fern suits warm-temperate and subtropical climates and grows best in part shade or morning sun and shade and low-light positions. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters.
Soil & planting
Soft Tree Fern does best in free-draining and acidic soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Soft Tree Fern is consistently moist soil. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Tip-prune Soft Tree Fern in spring to maintain a dense, shapely habit. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Soft Tree Fern in the garden
Soft Tree Fern earns its place for a feature or specimen planting and a shade tree.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Soft Tree Fern with other plants that enjoy the same consistently moist soil and warm-temperate climate. Group three or five together for impact rather than dotting single plants through the garden. It combines naturally with other Australian natives in a habitat or water-wise garden.
Good to know
It is regarded as non-toxic and pet-safe.
Buying Soft Tree Fern
Plant Sale lists Soft Tree Fern as potted plants and advanced specimens. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment we have it ready.