Author: David Howlett
Varieties of tree ferns
to grow in the UK
Tree ferns can roughly be divided
in hardy and non hardy when growing in the UK. It is likely
there are up to a thousand species of tree fern, with most of
them growing in the Southern Hemisphere and the tropics. Many of
these are not a all cold hardy and it would be very difficult to
grow them successfully outside in the UK. The two main cold
hardy types for our climate are called: Cyathea and Dicksonia.
The most commonly available of these are: Cyathea spinulosa,
Cyathea australis, Cyathea dealbeta, Dicksonia Antarctica,
Dicksonia fibrosa and Dicksonia squarrosa.
Different sizes of tree fern and where to buy
them
Tree fern are available as plants that have
been propagated from spores and complete trunks that have been
harvested from rain forests or tropical areas of the world,
often as a by-product of other activities. You can usually buy
them at garden centres or specialist nurseries. The trunks are
often sold without fronds straight from the container and the
fronds will start to appear after a few weeks. Expect to pay
more if you want to buy a tree fern with fronds.
Choosing a position for a tree fern
Tree
ferns prefer to grow with some shade. They will adapt to a sunny
position but will need very regular watering and may suffer from
sunburn to the fronds. So ideally you need to pick a spot in the
garden with some shade during at least part of the day. Ferns
also like a moist surrounding and tree ferns really need
watering every day during the warmer months especially inside
and down the trunk. They will grow equally happy in containers
but again will prefer a shady spot.
How to
plant
tree ferns
Tree ferns don't need a rich or deep
soil. They will survive happily even in very poor or stony soil.
Ideally a slightly acid soil (adding ericaceous compost will
help) is preferable and a light dressing with blood and bone
meal will give the plants plenty of food to start them off. If
you've purchased a smaller plant just dig a hole big enough for
the root ball.
Tree fern trunks will need a hole
slightly bigger than the trunk and 4 to 6 inches deep depending
on the length of the trunk. Plant them and firm them in but make
sure they are upright then the weight of the trunk will keep it
stable. After a few weeks it will make its own roots to secure
itself.
Feeding the plant
The tree
fern will need feeding from time to time. If you have planted it
in the shade under a canopy of larger tree your tree fern will
extract some nutrients from the decaying leaf-fall. They will
still need some extra feed and one of the best around is one
called Maxi Crop. Maxi Crop is made from seaweed; it is easily
available and contains a good range of nutrients and minerals.
Follow the manufactures instructions for the dilution and feed
well at least every two months.
Surviving the
winter
Generally Cyathea and Dicksonia are the
hardiest of the most commonly available tree ferns. They are
naturally evergreen and should survive quite happily through a
normal winter. Before the worst of the winter starts you will
need to place a wedge of straw down the centre of the plant
(where the fronds grow from) to keep the worst of the frost out.
About the author:
David Howlett co-runs a gardening website called http://www.gardenmania.co.uk
they have
just started a range of Jeep Wheelbarrows supplied direct to UK
gardeners.
Additional Articles on Ferns:
Growing Ferns in a Greenhouse
For greenhouse or house decoration, or for supplying florists with "green," ferns, and Adiantums in particular, are very useful. While many species are easiest propagated by the division of the plants, others are commonly grown from spores, which should be sown at once, although the spores from some species can be kept for some time.
Grow Ferns Indoors
Ferns are one of the oldest plants known, dating back to prehistoric times. These lovely ancients are perfect for the indoor gardener!
The Necessary Points to Fern Care
One of the easiest houseplants to care for inside your home is the fern. They are able to survive on low light and require little care. They are a great addition to any home as they add light and interest to any room.
How to Grow Your Own Fern Garden
It is very easy to have an abundant and flourishing fern garden. Just follow these eight simple steps.
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