Golden Tree Fern

Hailing from the forest lands of New Zealand, Dicksonia fibrosa - the Golden Tree Fern is a robust, slow-maturing evergreen known for its dense, sturdy appearance. Its distinctive trunk is exceptionally thick and covered in a mass of pale brown, woody fibers, providing a solid anchor for a lush canopy of stiff, yellowish-green fronds. Unlike some of its cousins, this species is particularly noted for its "skirt" of old, dried fronds that hang around the trunk, offering natural protection and a rugged, prehistoric aesthetic. While it is slightly more resilient than other tree ferns, it still demands a bit of TLC during harsh Winters. In colder regions, it is wise to insulate the crown with straw and wrap the trunk in burlap or fleece to prevent freezing. To keep it thriving, ensure the fibrous trunk remains hydrated during the Summer months, but keep the crown dry once the frost sets in.

Site: Well sheltered, woodland-style gardens
Soils: Consistently moist but well drained, humus-rich, acidic to neutral soil
Position: Partial shade or dappled shade
Season of interest: Most of the year
Hardiness: Hardy to -5, needs winter protection
Height to 13’ (4m) Spread to 10’ (3m)

Please note : On the larger tree Ferns, some of the length of the trunk is in the Pot to keep them steady.

Image by Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz cropped and licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0