Dicksonia antarctica
tree fern
- Position: partial to full shade
- Soil: humus-rich, neutral to acid soil
- Rate of growth: slow-growing
- Hardiness: half hardy
A fantastic, tree-like fern with a thick mass of roots that form a trunk and large, up to 3m (10ft) long, filigree-like fronds. These impressive tree ferns are one of the oldest plants in the world and add a touch drama to any garden. They are native to Australia and Tasmania, and since they are slow growing, can take 10 years to grow only 30cm of trunk. Try them in a semi-shaded spot, among ferns and woodland plants, as part of an exotic scheme, or beside water. They are hardy to -10 degrees C, although the foliage may die back at -2 degrees C. They will happily grow in any soil as long as the trunk is kept moist.
Plants may be dispatched without leaf fronds, however these will soon grow back. - Garden care:As these plants absorb their nutrients through the trunk, water and feed by spraying the whole stem and crown. They are not fully hardy so will need protection in winter. In milder areas you can do this by gently stuffing a few handfuls of fallen leaves into the crown. In colder parts of the country pack the crown with straw before wrapping it with strips of frost fleece, or over-winter it in an unheated greenhouse. As the new growth starts to emerge in spring, the protection should be removed.
Osmunda regalis
royal fern
Magnificent giant fern. Great beside water
£9.99
2 litre pot
within 2-3 days excludes weekends
Hosta 'Sum and Substance'
plantain lily
Slugs and snails tend to leave this one alone
£8.99
2 litre pot
within 2-3 days excludes weekends
Polypodium vulgare
common polypody
Native evergreen fern. Very versatile!
£8.99
2 litre pot
within 2-3 days excludes weekends
Tree fern feed
Tree fern feed
Helps to encourage vigorous foliage and root growth
£6.99
500ml bottle
within 2-3 days excludes weekends
Musa lasiocarpa
Chinese yellow banana
Huge leaves and yellow flowers
£19.99
2 litre pot
available to order from summer 2013
Rodgersia podophylla
rodgersia
Handsome foliage plant
£9.99
2 litre pot
available to order from summer 2013
Phyllostachys nigra
black bamboo
The only black bamboo
£39.99
5 litre pot 60-70cm
available to order from summer 2013
Jungle
The trick to achieving the tropical effect is good preparation and dense planting, vivid foliage, fiery flowers and striking contrasts. The jungle garden is a place for theatrical planning and planting. If you don't have room or the inclination...
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