Does anyone know how to protect a tree fern over winter, it is planted out in garden,?

Hi there, Tree fern Dicksonia Antartica is generally fully hardy in most areas of the U.K. however, in most winters the lush green fronds will get scorched with the wind and frost.


Even so it is recommended that the crown (the very top of the trunk where the fronds come from) is packed with straw, sometimes a wire cone can be made to cover the straw to stop it blowing away. Under no circumstances use polythene or hessian as the fern will sweat and next years fronds will be damaged.


The aim is to protect "the knuckles" which are next years shoots or fronds which you can feel in the crown of the plant. During the winter if the fronds do get burnt or scorched just remove in spring and new ones will emerge.


You must first identify which type of tree fern you have. If the spine of the leaf is green follow the above instructions, however, if the spine of the leaf is black and the trunk is extremely thin this will probably be a variety called Squarosa which is not hardy in this country and should be protected from frost during the winter.


P.S. Trust me I have imported over 200 tree ferns from Tasmania this year.

Does anyone know how to protect a tree fern over winter, it is planted out in garden,?
wrap it in burlap, and put straw or hay around it.....
Reply:Here is an excellent site all about the care of tree ferns.
Reply:Ferns are fairly hardy it should survive ok. To protect a little more put a peice of hessian cloth over it %26amp; tie it loosely, that will protect it from the frost.
Reply:we have one thats in a shady spoy, i think if you cover it with something to protect it from frost it should be ok