Cyathea australis

Name

Cyathea australis

Common name

Rough tree fern

What you get

You will receive a 15ltrpot with the tree fern just starting to grow a 10/20cm trunk.

About

Cyathea australis has large pale fronds which appear in batches throughout the growing season, unlike Dicksonia which tends to have most of its fronds in one go in the spring. The dark brown trunk has a very rough texture and is covered in lots of small spikes. As the name suggests this tree fern is from Australia, it is not as hardy as Dicksonia antartica although it tends to grow at slightly higher altitudes. It will take -6 to -8 when mature, but will need winter protection. It will grow in a more open aspect than Dicksonia antartica and does give a different look.

Origin

Australia

Planting and care

If planting in the garden it's best in moist, semi shade conditions and will need regular watering. The bigger the trunk gets the hardier it gets, however for most winters you will have to wrap the trunk and stuff the crown with straw. If you are growing in a pot feed and water it regularly and in winter keep it frost free without letting it dry out.