Dicksonia antarctica – Soft Tree Fern - Evergreen Trees Direct

Dicksonia antarctica – Soft Tree Fern

$620.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Size: 100L

100L

Current Stock Height Guides

100L: Enquire within for height guide information.

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you mustconfirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 3m to 6m

Mature Width: 3m to 4m

Dicksonia antarctica – Soft Tree Fern is expected to grow 10cm to 30cm per year (slow–moderate).

Root Ball Dimensions

Use this as a reference when digging your planting hole. We recommend digging at least 10% wider than the dimensions below to encourage strong root development.

30cm Pot: 33cm (W) × 30cm (D)
40cm/45L Pot: 44cm (W) × 41.5cm (D)
50cm Pot / 70L Pot: 55cm (W) × 41.8cm (D)
100L Bag: 50.6cm (W) × 52.8cm (D)
150L Bag: 66cm (W) × 55cm (D)
200L Bag: 71.5cm (W) × 60.5cm (D)
300L Bag: 88cm (W) × 63.8cm (D)
400L Bag: 99cm (W) × 66cm (D)
500L Bag: 122cm (W) × 66cm (D)
750L Bag: 134cm (W) × 69cm (D)
1000L Bag: 146.3cm (W) × 71.5cm (D)
2000L Bag: 176cm (W) × 82.5cm (D)

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About Your New Dicksonia antarctica – Soft Tree Fern

Dicksonia antarctica unfurls a crown of large soft feathery fronds above a thick fibrous trunk, creating a rainforest atmosphere in a shaded garden faster than any other plant. A single established Soft Tree Fern reads as a mature landscape feature the day it goes in.

Dicksonia antarctica reaches 3 to 6 metres tall with a frond spread of 3 to 4 metres, growing very slowly at 10 to 30 centimetres of trunk per year. That slow rate is why advanced specimens carry the value they do, and it means a planted fernery holds its scale and proportion for decades.

This Australian native needs part to full shade, consistent moisture and protection from hot dry wind, which scorches the fronds. It is frost sensitive, so in cold districts choose a sheltered position. Water the trunk as well as the soil, since the trunk itself absorbs moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Dicksonia antarctica

How tall does Dicksonia antarctica grow?

The Soft Tree Fern reaches 3 to 6 metres of trunk height with a frond spread of 3 to 4 metres, though most garden specimens sit well below that for many years.

How fast does a Soft Tree Fern grow?

Very slowly, at 10 to 30 centimetres of trunk per year. This is why advanced specimens with established trunks are valued and priced accordingly.

Does Dicksonia antarctica need shade?

Yes. It requires part to full shade and protection from hot dry wind. Direct afternoon sun scorches the fronds and can kill the growing crown.

How do I water a tree fern?

Water the trunk as well as the surrounding soil. The fibrous trunk absorbs moisture directly, and keeping it damp through summer is essential to keeping the crown healthy.

Is Dicksonia antarctica frost tolerant?

No. It is frost sensitive and the fronds are damaged by frost. In cold districts plant it in a sheltered position under canopy, which also provides the shade it needs.

Is the Soft Tree Fern an Australian native?

Yes. It is native to the cool wet forests of south-eastern Australia and Tasmania, and is protected in the wild, so nursery-grown stock should always be used.

Can Dicksonia antarctica be grown in a pot?

Yes, in a large pot with rich free-draining mix in a shaded position. Potted specimens need more frequent watering, including of the trunk, than those in the ground.

Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

$21.95

Enriched Planting Mix is a certified organic blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent, bagged in 30L. It is built to be dug through existing garden soil at planting time rather than used on its own, and the gypsum is what sets it apart from a plain compost.

Gypsum helps break up heavy clay so water and roots can move through it, while the compost and manure return organic matter and nutrient to tired ground. The coarse bark holds structure and keeps air around the root zone, and the wetting agent keeps moisture in the soil longer after rain or watering.

Use it when planting trees, shrubs, roses, fruit trees and exotic garden plants, particularly into clay. Dig a hole twice the width of the pot and 7 centimetres deeper, then mix roughly one third planting mix through the excavated soil. Spread 7 centimetres of that improved soil in the base before setting the plant in.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Enriched Planting Mix

What is Enriched Planting Mix made from?

It is a blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent. Each part has a job. The compost and manure supply organic matter and nutrient, the gypsum works on clay structure, the bark keeps air around the roots and the wetting agent holds moisture in the soil.

What plants is it suitable for?

It suits exotic garden plants, including roses, ornamental and deciduous trees, fruit trees, shrubs and perennials, and it earns its keep most on heavy clay sites. It is a planting mix rather than a potting mix, so its job is improving soil at planting time. Phosphorus sensitive natives are the one clear exception.

Is it safe for natives?

No, not for the phosphorus sensitive ones. The composted animal manure in this blend lifts phosphorus well above what Proteaceae such as Banksia, Grevillea, Hakea and Protea will tolerate, and the result can be leaf burn, dieback and plant death. Use the Native Potting Mix for those species, or plant them into unimproved local soil.

Is it certified organic?

Yes. It is a certified organic product with no chemical additives, which is why the manure and compost in it are fully composted rather than raw. That makes it sound around fruit trees and vegetable beds, and it means you are adding genuine organic matter to your soil rather than a synthetic conditioner.

How much do I need?

Work on roughly one third planting mix to two thirds of the soil you dug out of the hole. For a shrub out of a 200 millimetre pot that is only a few litres. An advanced tree going into a large hole will take considerably more. Judge the quantity by the volume of the hole rather than the size of the plant.

Can I use it in pots?

It is not a potting mix and should not be used on its own in a container. The blend is designed to be diluted through garden soil, and used straight in a pot it holds too much water and settles badly. For containers, reach for a premium potting mix, or the native mix if you are potting natives.

Does it need to be watered in?

Yes. Water the plant well several hours before you plant it, then water thoroughly again once the hole is backfilled and the soil firmed down. That first deep watering settles the improved soil around the root ball and drives out air pockets. Keep the water up over the first few months while the roots establish.

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Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

$21.95

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Uses in my Garden

Council or Civic Landscapes

Dicksonia antarctica – Soft Tree Fern works in an:

Rainforest / Subtropical Garden – dense greenery for a rich, exotic feel.
Tropical Garden – lush, leafy planting for a resort-style atmosphere.
Modern Garden – sleek, minimal, and design-led planting.
Cottage Garden – romantic mix of flowers, colour, and texture.
Low-maintenance Garden – resilient choices for easy care and year-round appeal.

Is Dicksonia antarctica – Soft Tree Fern Evergreen or Deciduous?

Dicksonia antarctica – Soft Tree Fern is an Evergreen (foliage year round) Tree

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 3m to 6m

Mature Width: 3m to 4m

Dicksonia antarctica – Soft Tree Fern is expected to grow 10cm to 30cm per year (slow–moderate).

Growth Rate of Dicksonia antarctica – Soft Tree Fern

Dicksonia antarctica – Soft Tree Fern is expected to grow 10cm to 30cm per year (slow–moderate).

They are considered to have a:

Slow Growth Rate
Medium Growth Rate

Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Dicksonia antarctica – Soft Tree Fern

Is Dicksonia antarctica – Soft Tree Fern frost tolerant?

Dicksonia antarctica – Soft Tree Fern is Frost Sensitive – May suffer damage from frost, best in frost-free or protected spots.

Does Dicksonia antarctica – Soft Tree Fern Flower?

Dicksonia antarctica does not produce flowers; instead, it reproduces through spores that form in neat rows on the undersides of mature fronds. These brown spore clusters are part of its natural fern life cycle and add subtle seasonal texture rather than a floral display.

Does Dicksonia antarctica – Soft Tree Fern flower?

No - Doesn't Flower

Flowering Period:

Not Applicable

Flower Type:

Not Applicable

Flower Colour:

Not Applicable

Is Dicksonia antarctica – Soft Tree Fern an Australian Native Tree?

Yes

Dicksonia antarctica – Soft Tree Fern is Native to Southeastern Australia, including Tasmania, Victoria, and New South Wales, where it grows naturally in cool, moist gullies and forests.

What is the Wildlife Value of Dicksonia antarctica – Soft Tree Fern ?

Its large, arching fronds create cool, humid micro-habitats ideal for insects, frogs and small ground-dwelling wildlife, while the fibrous trunk offers refuge for insects and microfauna. The shaded canopy also attracts small birds seeking protection in rainforest-style and sheltered garden spaces.

How much Sunlight does Dicksonia antarctica – Soft Tree Fern need?

Dicksonia antarctica – Soft Tree Fern will thrive best in:

Part Shade
Full Shade

Preferred Soil?

Dicksonia antarctica performs best in well-drained loam or sandy loam soils and prefers slightly acidic to neutral conditions. It struggles in heavy clay, alkaline soils or dry exposed sites unless improved with organic matter to enhance drainage and moisture retention. Keep soil consistently moist during establishment, then continue deep, regular watering as it matures to support vigorous frond production and maintain humidity around the root zone and trunk.

Is Dicksonia antarctica – Soft Tree Fern Drought Tolerant?

Is Dicksonia antarctica – Soft Tree Fern Drought tolerant?

As a young plant it requires consistent moisture, and even once established Dicksonia antarctica has low drought tolerance. It performs best in cool, shaded, sheltered positions with regular deep watering and will quickly decline in hot, dry or exposed conditions without supplementary moisture.

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How To Plant Your Dicksonia antarctica – Soft Tree Fern

Site: Choose a well-drained position in full sun to part shade with room for the canopy to develop.

Soil preparation: Enrich the planting area with quality compost and aged manure for a strong establishment phase.

Hole: Dig twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth.

Planting: Position level with the surrounding soil, backfill gently, firm in, then water deeply to settle the roots.

Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Dicksonia antarctica – Soft Tree Fern

Feature tree: 3 to 4 metres apart to allow the full canopy and form to develop.

Avenue planting: 3 metres apart for a uniform soft-textured avenue.

Dicksonia antarctica – Soft Tree Fern is expected to grow 10cm to 30cm per year (slow–moderate).

Slow Growth Rate
Medium Growth Rate

Long Term Care For Your Dicksonia antarctica – Soft Tree Fern

Watering: Water deeply twice weekly through the first 12 months. Once established, keep the root zone consistently moist with weekly deep watering and additional water during hot dry spells.

Mulching: Apply a 5 to 7 centimetre layer of organic mulch over the root zone, keeping it 5 centimetres clear of the trunk.

Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Light tip prune in late winter to maintain shape if used as hedging or screening. For a clear trunk feature, remove lower branches as the tree grows.

Fertilising: Apply a slow-release native blend in early spring and again in autumn. Avoid high-phosphorus formulations as a precaution.

Pest and disease: Hardy against most pests and diseases. Occasional inspection for scale or sooty mould in warm humid conditions is all that's needed.

Planting Your Dicksonia antarctica – Soft Tree Fern in Different Soil

Dicksonia antarctica performs best in well-drained sandy loam or loam with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Adaptable to a wide range of soils when drainage is improved with organic matter.

Sandy soil: Free-draining and ideal. Mulch well to maintain consistent moisture.

Clay soil: Improve drainage with gypsum and organic compost before planting.

Loam: The preferred soil for steady root development and consistent growth.

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral preferred. Mulch with composted leaf litter to maintain levels naturally.