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Tufty Tree Fern

Hi all!

I'm into my second season as an enthusiastic amateur with an inherited garden. 

I have this rather tuftry imagetree fern next to my pond  ;

I spotted some fern trunks behind the shed which I put in the corner for temporary benches:

image

I'm assuming they're none survivors from a harsh winter at some point, and the first photo is the last standing. This is the second year it has come up as a tuft. (Since I've moved in, I've wrapped it up every winter)

Does anyone know a way of recovering or helping her out?

Any help is much appreciated!

Posts

  • Ladybird4Ladybird4 Posts: 37,905

    Hi rich. Your tree fern is actually in the wrong position. Tree ferns prefer a shaded, humid position - out of direct sun. They should be watered from the top and the trunk should never be allowed to dry out. It can do with being hosed down regularly during the summer. Soluble fertiliser should also always be added at the top. You have done very well to preserve it though as they can struggle in our climate.

    Cacoethes: An irresistible urge to do something inadvisable
  • Ladybird4Ladybird4 Posts: 37,905

    I forgot to say that they do grow extremely slowly.

    Cacoethes: An irresistible urge to do something inadvisable
  • thank you Ladybird, much appreciated. Would you advise I move it to a shadier position? It's an east facing, heavy clay garden. Here's a shot looking the other way towards the shade :

    image

    If so, could I ask the best way to do so? I really don't mean to be a bother, it's just I can't really justify buying fresh and I'm trying my best to keep everything happy instead.

  • Ladybird4Ladybird4 Posts: 37,905

    Hi rich. It would love that shady corner if you can make room. Is that a beautiful gunnera I can see? Tree ferns move quite well. Try and get as much root as you can and make sure it is planted at the same depth in its new home. Soak the planting hole and keep the fern wet all the time until it seems settled. Mist it every day with the fine spray on your garden hose

    Cacoethes: An irresistible urge to do something inadvisable
  • Ladybird4Ladybird4 Posts: 37,905

    Forgot to say do not add fertiliser until the fern has re-established.

    Cacoethes: An irresistible urge to do something inadvisable
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