Grow a Sculptural Fern

Tree ferns have huge, arching fronds, a unique trunk and a shape reminiscent of their tropical rain-forest origins. Although expensive, they pay their way by adding drama and an exotic element to a garden, and they flourish in awkward, damp, dark corners where most other plants struggle to grow.

When to Start: Spring
At Its Best: Summer
Time to Complete: 1-1/2 hours

Materials Needed:

• pot-grown Tasmanian tree fern
• spade
• all-purpose granular fertilizer

• garden stake
• watering can

Check Planting Depth

Dig a hole twice as wide as the trunk and as deep as the height of the container, then loosen the earth at the base. Position the fern in the hole and, with a stake, check that the final soil level will be the same as it is in the pot. Add or remove soil as necessary.

Enlarge Photo+Shrink Photo-DK - How to Grow Practically Everything © 2010 Dorling Kindersley Limited

Add Fertilizer

Lift the tree fern from its hole and add a small amount of a general fertilizer, such as bone meal, to the base. Mix this into the soil so that it does not touch the roots directly. Tree ferns rarely need feeding after this initial application.

Enlarge Photo+Shrink Photo-DK - How to Grow Practically Everything © 2010 Dorling Kindersley Limited

Firm in Around Base

Remove the tree fern from its pot and place it in the hole. Check that it's upright, then backfill with soil, using your foot to carefully press all around the edge of the plant to make sure it's held firmly in place. Take care not to compact the soil, because this may hinder drainage.

Enlarge Photo+Shrink Photo-DK - How to Grow Practically Everything © 2010 Dorling Kindersley Limited