Rough Tree-Fern

From SE Australia, Cyathea australis is a handsome tree-fern, with a cluster of long arching fronds on top of a brown trunk, rough with the scaly bases of fallen leaves. The fronds are deep green with paler undersides. Reaching 20’ x 20’ (6 x 6m) in the wild. Cyathea australis is one species of tree fern that can, with a little care, be grown outside in milder parts of Ireland. It is frost down to around minus 7 or 8 degrees celsius for short periods. Winter protection to the crown and trunk are advised, especially in very cold weather. In the wild Cyathea australis often grows in company of Dicksonia antarctica usually of the fringes where it tolerates more sun and wind than its well known cousin.

Site: Part-sunny, open site, not too exposed; tolerates salt air
Soils: Moist but well-drained, humus-rich, acid to neutral soils
Position: Partial shade with some sun; best grown in a pot
Season of interest: All year if grown in a pot
Hardiness: Not fully hardy
Height 2 to 4m Spread 2 to 4m