This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.
Tufty Tree Fern
in Plants
Hi all!
I'm into my second season as an enthusiastic amateur with an inherited garden.
I have this rather tuftry tree fern next to my pond ;
I spotted some fern trunks behind the shed which I put in the corner for temporary benches:
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!
0
Posts
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.
I forgot to say that they do grow extremely slowly.
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 :
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.
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
Forgot to say do not add fertiliser until the fern has re-established.