Dicksonia antarctica (Soft Tree Fern) – RHS Award of Garden Merit
Dicksonia antarctica, commonly known as the Soft Tree Fern, is a magnificent architectural plant prized for its lush, tropical appearance and graceful, arching fronds. Awarded the prestigious RHS Award of Garden Merit, this striking tree fern brings structure, texture and year-round interest to shaded gardens.
Key Features
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Impressive evergreen foliage in mild areas, creating year-round structure
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Holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit (AGM) for reliability and performance
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Dramatic arching fronds up to 3 metres in length
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Ideal for shaded gardens, woodland settings and sheltered courtyards
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Slow-growing and long-lived, forming a bold, stout trunk over time
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Perfect for adding a tropical, architectural statement to UK gardens
Product Description
Dicksonia antarctica is one of the most sought-after tree ferns for British gardens, admired for its elegant canopy of finely divided, glossy dark green fronds. Emerging from a stout, reddish-brown trunk, the fronds unfurl in a beautiful rosette, creating a soft yet dramatic silhouette.
In milder regions it remains evergreen, while in colder areas it may behave as deciduous, regrowing its spectacular fronds each spring. Over many years it can reach an ultimate height of 2.5–4 metres, making it a superb focal point in shaded borders or woodland-style planting schemes.
Thriving in full or partial shade and preferring a moist but well-drained soil, this tree fern is ideally suited to sheltered gardens with loam or sandy soils. Its lush foliage pairs beautifully with hostas, ferns and shade-loving perennials for a rich, layered effect.
Specifications
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Botanical name: Dicksonia antarctica
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Common name: Soft Tree Fern
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Award: RHS Award of Garden Merit (AGM)
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Plant type: Evergreen tree fern (deciduous in colder areas)
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Ultimate height: 2.5–4 metres
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Ultimate spread: 2.5–4 metres
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Time to ultimate height: 20–50 years
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Frond length: Up to 3 metres
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Position: Full shade or partial shade
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Aspect: South-, West- or East-facing
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Exposure: Sheltered
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Soil types: Loam or sandy soils
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Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained
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Soil pH: Acid or neutral
Care Tips
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Plant in a sheltered, shaded position protected from cold, drying winds
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Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during dry spells
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In colder regions, protect the crown and trunk with horticultural fleece in winter
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Water into the crown during dry weather to support healthy frond development
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Apply a balanced feed in spring to encourage strong, lush growth
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Mulch annually to retain moisture and improve soil structure
Create a dramatic, tropical atmosphere in your garden with Dicksonia antarctica – an elegant and enduring statement plant that transforms shaded spaces into lush retreats. A superb choice for established gardens or as a distinctive and memorable gift.
