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 must confirm 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.

All stock is grown, maintained and graded in strict accordance with AS 4373-2007, Australian Standard for Nursery Stock.

About Dicksonia antarctica – Soft Tree Fern

Dicksonia antarctica, commonly known as the Soft Tree Fern or Tasmanian Tree Fern, is one of Australia’s most iconic and graceful ferns. Its soft, arching green fronds radiate from a fibrous brown trunk, creating a lush, tropical canopy that adds instant greenery and texture to shaded gardens. Mature plants can reach 3–6 metres tall and 3–4 metres wide, forming a striking vertical feature in cool, moist environments.

This evergreen fern thrives in part to full shade and rich, moist, well-drained soils. Dicksonia antarctica prefers consistent moisture and protection from wind and hot sun, though it will tolerate light frost once established. It’s ideal for temperate to cool climates and can also be successfully grown in large pots or near water features to enhance a rainforest aesthetic.

They look excellent as feature plants beneath tree canopies, beside pathways, or grouped to create lush understorey plantings. The Soft Tree Fern’s timeless elegance and robust nature make it a staple for shaded gardens, courtyards, and woodland designs.

Distinguishing Features

Dicksonia antarctica – Soft Tree Fern is a great option for you if you:

Want Low Maintenance
Want Shade
Want To Add Impact With A Feature Tree
Want An Australian Native for Biodiversity
Want Something Easy to Manage
Need Frost Tolerance
If You Want Something That is Architectural
If You Want Dappled Shade / Filtered Light

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 3–6 metres

Mature Width: 3–4 metres

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

Root Ball Dimensions (Height & Width)

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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Shipping Cost

Shipping is calculated at checkout based on the pallet space your order occupies in the truck and your delivery location.

There is no charge to calculate your freight.

VOLUME DISCOUNTS

10% off orders over $1,000
15% off orders over $2,000
20% off orders over $7,500

Discounts Apply Automatically at Checkout

About Your New Dicksonia antarctica – Soft Tree Fern

Dicksonia antarctica, commonly known as the Soft Tree Fern or Tasmanian Tree Fern, is one of Australia’s most iconic and graceful ferns. Its soft, arching green fronds radiate from a fibrous brown trunk, creating a lush, tropical canopy that adds instant greenery and texture to shaded gardens. Mature plants can reach 3–6 metres tall and 3–4 metres wide, forming a striking vertical feature in cool, moist environments.

This evergreen fern thrives in part to full shade and rich, moist, well-drained soils. Dicksonia antarctica prefers consistent moisture and protection from wind and hot sun, though it will tolerate light frost once established. It’s ideal for temperate to cool climates and can also be successfully grown in large pots or near water features to enhance a rainforest aesthetic.

They look excellent as feature plants beneath tree canopies, beside pathways, or grouped to create lush understorey plantings. The Soft Tree Fern’s timeless elegance and robust nature make it a staple for shaded gardens, courtyards, and woodland designs.

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Variant	Quantity	Price	Variant total
100LDICANT100L $620.00/ea Remove Quantity Remove $0.00	Quantity Remove	$620.00/ea	$0.00

Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

$21.95

Features and Benefits

Organically certified product
Improves aeration for roots
A rich blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, Gypsum, composted coarse bark and wetting agent
Excellent to mix with heavy clay soils, an organic mixture with added gypsum which is perfect for exotic plants
Revitalises tired soils, adds nutrient and organic matter, no chemical additives, weed free
Assists in retaining moisture in the soil longer after rain or watering

Directions For Use

Water plant well at least several hours prior to planting.
Dig a hole at least twice the width of the pot and 7cm deeper than the pot.
Mix Grow Better Enriched Planting Mix with the soil that has been dug out of the hole, adding about 1/3 planting mix.
Spread a 7cm layer of improved soil in the hole and remove plant from the pot. Tease roots gently if the root ball is very firm and place plant in the planting hole. Check that pot soil is level with the surrounding soil surface level, not higher or lower.
Fill in the hole with improved soil mixture, firm down soil and water well adding Grow Better Plant Starter to final watering.

View full details

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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: 3–6 metres

Mature Width: 3–4 metres

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

Growth Rate of Dicksonia antarctica – Soft Tree Fern

Dicksonia antarctica – Soft Tree Fern is expected to grow 10 – 30 cm 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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