About
Dicksonia squarrosa, the New Zealand tree fern, is a slender, graceful tree fern with a erect, trunk-like rhizome reaching up to 6 m tall, bearing a rosette of broadly triangular, two- to three-pinnate fronds to 1.2 m long with black-scaled stalks. A bold and ornamental plant for a sheltered, moist, partly shaded garden.
About the genus
Dicksonia are evergreen tree ferns, sometimes deciduous in cold areas, with a stout, erect, trunk-like rhizome clothed in fibrous roots and bearing a rosette of large, pinnately divided fronds at the apex. Architectural and striking, they are grown in sheltered, moist, partly shaded gardens.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectWest-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1B
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse
HabitSuckering
FoliageEvergreen
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesSub-tropical
Native toE Brazil
Care notes
CultivationUnder glass grow in peat-free, loam-based potting compost in bright filtered light and high humidity. Water freely in the growing season and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly; keep just moist in winter
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationDivide or root stem cuttings at any time
Pest resistanceMealybugs may be troublesome
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free