A massive, long-lived Australian native fern building a broad fibrous crown of leathery dark green fronds from a thick mounding base. A bold, statuesque feature for moist, sheltered gardens.
At a glance
- Plant type: Fern
- Mature size: 1.5 m H × 2 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 King Fern
Botanically, Todea barbara is a slow-growing fern in the Osmundaceae family, native to Australia. It reaches around 1.5 m tall and 2 m wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage.
Where to grow King Fern
King 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. It also is a sought-after collector's plant.
Soil & planting
King Fern does best in acidic and free-draining soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
King 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 King Fern in spring to maintain a dense, shapely habit. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using King Fern in the garden
King Fern earns its place for a feature or specimen planting and a shade tree.
Companion planting & design
Combine King Fern with plants that share its preference for consistently moist soil and warm-temperate climate. Use an odd-numbered group where space allows, or repeat it at intervals through a longer bed. 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 King Fern
Plant Sale lists King Fern as potted plants. Current stock is confirmed manually, so register interest above before planning around a specific size.
