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 Dicksonia |
 Antarctica |
| Common
Names: Australian Tree Fern, Tasmanian
Tree Fern, Hardy Tree Fern, Soft Tree Fern,
Man Fern |
| Family:
Dicksoniaceae |
| Growth
Rate: Slow |
| Height:
15m but more likely to reach a slow 5m in the UK.
The fern grows at a slow rate of about 5 cm per
year. |
| Spread:
4m |
| Position:
Partial
shade, preferring damp sheltered woodland. |
| Hardiness:
Half Hardy - Protect crown in winter from
frost. Zone 8. |
| Soil:
Humus-rich, neutral to acid soil |
| Origin:
Australia, namely New South Wales, Tasmania, and
Victoria.
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| Other features: they
are hardy down to -10°C and the foliage is hardy to -2°C |
| Summer tips:
Keep the trunk and crown moist. If possible use a permanent irrigation or
water at the crown every day. |
| Winter tips: Protect
crown from frost by insulating with straw binded with with
chicken wire. |
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| With a thick mass of roots forming a trunk, up to 3m (10ft) long,
mid- to dark green fronds. These impressive tree ferns are one of
the oldest plants in the world and their fascinating appearance will
soon catch the heart of any gardener. They add drama and style to a
semi-shady spot, and will happily grow in any soil as long as the
trunk is kept moist. |
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In the wild Dicksonia
Antarctica is
tolerant of fire and re-shoots readily afterwards. The fern grows at a rate of about 3.5 to 5 centimetres per
year and produces spores at the age of about 23 years. It
grows in a range of soils but does best on fertile areas. It
is particularly suited to garden planting and landscaping
purposes and is one of the most popular tree ferns in the
world.
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Propagation
- Spores can be sown at any time in a warm greenhouse. Surface sow and enclose the pot in a plastic bag in order to keep it moist. Place in light shade. Germinates in 1 - 3 months at 20°c. Prick out small clumps of plants when they are large enough to handle and grow on in a shaded part of the greenhouse for at least the first 2 years. The spores can be stored dry for up to 10 years[200].
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Tree
Fern Harvesting
Ensure
your imported tree ferns are accompanied by
a an environmental tag with a serial number.
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| Also
available online....... |
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Dicksonia
'squarrosa' |
| They
add drama and style to a semi-shady
spot, and will happily grow in any
soil as long as the trunk is kept
moist. Supplied in an approx 3 litre
pot. Height approx 40cms, width up to
80cms.
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| Available
from: Gardening
Express |
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