Tree Fern Dicksonia antarctica log - 3 foot tall
Tree ferns were a firm plant hunter's favourite from Victorian times, a symbol of wealth and travel experiences to Australia. They have maintained this sense of mystique ever since. Now you too can grow these surprisingly easy exotic looking plants too. Harvested under strict License from woodland clearance in Australia and Tasmania, and in very short supply this season, these astonishing plants really will delight and amaze. They grow under the woodland canopy, in the shade, so grow them here in a sheltered spot too. These '3 foot' (60cm) logs are at least 25 years old, and have been cut back and harvested dormant. When you water them via the top crown, they will burst back into life, like it's the new rainy season! Because they grow in leaf canopies, most of their food comes from leaves falling into their giant shuttlecock like fronds, funnelling the goodness into the growing crown. Feed and water this crown - rainwater is best if you can collect it.Even at this size of log, new fronds of 1m in length will unfurl spectacularly. The plant is hardy down to -5C in winter, although the fronds will die back. Cutting these off when they die back is what creates the new trunk, which slowly inches up over many, many years. Keep the crown protected in winter with a layer of straw or horticultural fleece to keep cold and wet out. When you get it home, plant it in a big pot, or in the garden soil. It takes almost 2 years to root in, so do not be alarmed by this slow growing beauty.Supplied dormant, with fronds that unfurl with time. Some may take up to two months for notable growth, but trust us, the wait will certainly be worth it!
