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. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
King 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 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
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair King Fern with other plants that enjoy the same consistently moist soil and warm-temperate climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm. 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. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it is available.