Dicksonia Antarctica – Australian Tree Fern – RHS Award Winner – Long Elegant Fronds – Exotic Foliage Plant – Hardy to -5°C – Shaded Gardens – 3 x 9cm Pots by Thompson and Morgan

• Exotic tree fern with long, finely divided fronds up to 1.5m
• RHS Award of Garden Merit for performance and reliability
• Slow-growing to a majestic height of up to 4m – ideal for shade
• Hardy to -5°C with simple winter protection in colder areas

Feast your eyes on the extraordinary Australian Tree Fern – Dicksonia antarctica! This RHS Award of Garden Merit winner is a showstopper for shaded, sheltered gardens. From its thick central crown, finely cut fronds unfurl gracefully to lengths of up to 1.5m (5ft), creating a lush, tropical effect in woodland-style borders or damp corners of the garden. A native of Australia, this slow-growing species develops only around 3cm of trunk per year, eventually reaching up to 4m (13ft) in height. Well suited to the UK’s mild and wet climate, it thrives in reliably moist, humus-rich soil with dappled or semi-shade. Dicksonia antarctica is hardy to around -5°C (23°F), though winter protection is advised in colder regions. How to Grow: Plant in a sheltered, shaded spot in moist, fertile, slightly acidic soil, or in a large container of humus-rich compost. In warm weather, water the entire trunk daily and mist the crown to replicate its native humid environment. Begin feeding with liquid fertiliser from year two onwards. Winter Care: Protect from frost by packing the crown with straw in autumn, securing with chicken wire, tying up the fronds, and wrapping the entire plant with horticultural fleece. Avoid using bubble wrap, as it traps moisture and may cause rot. Unwrap and check occasionally throughout winter. Images shown are for guidance only and show the expected results of plants upon maturity. Different growing conditions might vary results. Image may be included for illustration of supply but can vary due to seasonality changes (e.g. deciduous plants lose leaves in colder months). Decorative pots are not supplied.