Dicksonia antarctica - Soft Tree-Fern Native to coastal parts of Australia, Dicksonia antarctica is a magnificent, slow-growing, evergreen tree-fern (deciduous in colder areas) and one of the easiest to grow. The brown, fibrous ‘stem’ slowly grows taller, crowned by a rosette of beautiful, glossy, deep green fronds up to three metres long – a wonderfully architectural plant. Winter protection essential in all but the mildest areas – wrap the top of the ‘stem’ in fleece and protect the growing point in the crown with straw or similar insulation, and if pot-grown, bring inside or insulate the pot. Water the stem in hot weather; do not water the crown in winter. Site: Sheltered, sheltered coastalSoils: Moist but well-drained, acid to neutral soilPosition: Partial shade or dappled shadeSeason of interest: Most of the yearHardiness: Frost-hardyHeight to 13’ (4m) Spread to 13’ (4m)