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. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Soft Tree Fern prefers consistently moist soil. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser. During the first growing season, water deeply whenever the upper soil begins to dry, then reduce the frequency as roots establish.
Pruning & care
Tip-prune Soft Tree Fern in spring to maintain a dense, shapely habit. For most gardens, 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
Soft Tree Fern sits most comfortably beside plants adapted to consistently moist soil and warm-temperate climate. A small cluster gives stronger visual impact than isolated plants scattered 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. Use the quote builder above to ask about current stock, sizes and pricing.
