Fern
Sphaeropteris cooperi
Australian tree fern
Also known as: Cyathea cooperi, Alsophila cooperi
A graceful tree fern with a slender trunk and a broad crown of finely divided fronds.
- Partial shade
- 2.5–4 m (8–13 ft)
- 2.5–4 m (8–13 ft)
- H3 · Zone 9
- Evergreen
- RHS Award of Garden Merit
Overview
This Australian tree fern grows faster than many other tree ferns when given warmth and dependable moisture. Its crown and roots are frost sensitive, so most UK plants need a bright, frost-free winter home. Ferns produce spores rather than flowers or fruit; a severed or killed crown cannot regrow from a bare trunk.
At a Glance
Growing Conditions
Aspect Suitability
- North-facing
- East-facing
- West-facing
Soil Tolerance
- Sandy
- Loam
- Acid
- Neutral pH
Foliage
- Architectural foliage
Foliage interest: 12 months of the year
Seasonal Timeline
- Foliage 12 months of the year
- Propagate Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep
Maintenance Calendar
- Apr Cut away fully dead fronds without damaging the crown
- May Apply a weak liquid feed during active growth
- Jun Keep roots and trunk moist without stagnant water
- Jul Check young fronds for mites and scale
- Oct Move to frost-free shelter ideally near 10C
- Dec Keep the root ball slightly moist and ventilate shelter
Garden Design
Works well in: Contemporary, Tropical, Woodland
Reserve generous headroom and width for fronds. More frost sensitive than Dicksonia antarctica; large pots simplify winter shelter.
Companion planting: Broad-leaved shrubs, Hostas, Lower-growing ferns
Wildlife Value
- Shelter
Safety
- Skin irritant
Hairy scales around new fronds can irritate skin and eyes; wear gloves when handling the crown.