Dicksonia antarctica (soft tree fern) is a member of the Dicksoniaceae family. This fern exhibits a tufted growth habit and is characterized by its evergreen foliage. It has a hardiness rating of half-hardy – unheated glasshouse/mild winter (-5 to 1ºc) – hardy in coastal / mild areas except in hard winters and at risk from sudden (early) frosts. May be hardy elsewhere with wall shelter or good microclimate. Can survive with artificial winter protection.
When fully mature, Dicksonia antarctica can reach an ultimate height of 2.5–4 metres and a spread of 2.5–4 metres. For optimal growth, it prefers south–facing, west–facing, east–facing aspect and sheltered exposure. It thrives best in loam, sand soil types and should be placed in a full shade, partial shade position.
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