A growing number of people are giving a home to a tree fern or three! These wonderful Antipodeans are a great addition to any garden and will make any dark corner or under-canopy come alive. There are many types of tree fern now available in the UK, although we primarily recommenced Dicksonia antarctica. It is a magnificent plant and is by far the best for cultivation outside in the UK.
Dicksonia antarctica is an evergreen and in some protected warm gardens will keep their crown of fronds right through the winter with no protection at all. Unfortunately most of us don't have such ideal conditions, and we need to give the fern some protection from the worst of the winter, as detailed below: