Australian Tree Fern
Cyathea cooperi (formerly Alsophila australis, Sphaeropteris cooperi) (CYATHEACEAE)
Planting and Growing Australian Tree Fern
You’ll find everything you need to know to plant and grow Australian tree fern in the accompanying table’s tabs:
-
- Fronds, trunks, leaf stalks, and fronds of Australian tree fern
- Growing conditions for Australian tree fern
- When and where to plant Australian tree fern
- How to plant Australian tree fern
- How to shape, prune and control growth of Australian tree fern
- Watering, fertilizing, and care of Australian tree fern
- Landscape uses of Australian tree fern
- Pest and disease control for Australian tree fern
Growing Australian Tree Fern
Several cultivars of fast-growing, mounding becoming erect, umbrella-crowned, palmlike, evergreen ferns, to 40 ft. (12 m) tall but seldom more than 15 ft. (4.5 m) tall in landscape use, with shiny, bright becoming deep green, broad, arching, double- or triple-divided, finely cut, leathery fronds, 10–12 ft. (3–3.7 m) long, on woolly, brown leafstalks, and with a fibrous, hairy trunk.
See also Hawaiian tree fern, Cibotium glaucum, and Tasmanian tree fern, Dicksonia antarctica, unrelated species with similar appearances.
Australian Tree Fern Planting and Care Guide
Best Climates
U.S.D.A. Plant Hardiness Zones 7–11. Semi-hardy.
Soil Type and Fertility
Moist, well-drained, sandy loam mixed with humus and charcoal or, in water features, shoreline sites. Fertility: Rich. 5.5–7.0 pH.
Where and How to Plant
Full to filtered sun. Space 8–12 ft. (2.4–3.7 m) apart.
Proper Care
Easy. Keep evenly moist. Mist occasionally. Fertilize quarterly. Deadhead old or broken fronds. Propagate by cuttings, spores.
About This Species
Good choice for accents, backgrounds, containers in arid, natural, shade, tropical, woodland gardens and water feature shorelines. Pest and disease resistant.
Warning:
Stalks and fronds of Cyathea cooperi may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. Wear gloves and protective clothing when pruning or propagating plants.