Cyathea cooperi (Australian Tree Fern)

Fast-growing, award-winning Cyathea cooperi (Australian Tree Fern) is an evergreen tree fern with a very attractive terminal rosette of gracefully arching, lacy, emerald-green fronds, up to 13 ft. long (4 m). The new fronds or ‘fiddleheads’ are particularly beautiful, curled up with a delicate covering of silky hairs. The undersides of the mature fronds are covered with dusty brown sori aligned in rows. The slender, pale trunk is patterned with contiguous oval scars from older fronds. Incredibly easy to grow, Australian Tree Fern thrives where there are mild winter temperatures, dappled sunlight and plenty of moisture. It has a strong architectural presence and makes a spectacular accent in gardens where winter hardy, and in containers.

• Winner of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
• Grows with an upright habit up to 15-20 ft. tall (450-600 cm) and 10-12 ft. wide (300-360 cm).
• Easily grown in moist, humus-rich, well-drained soils in part shade. In hot, dry summers water the stem but avoid watering the crown in winter. Will grow without winter protection only in milder areas. Apply liquid fertilizer monthly during the growing season.
• Great for beds and borders, containers, Mediterranean gardens, city gardens,coastal gardens or informal gardens.
• No serious disease or pest issues.
• Dead or damaged fronds may be removed as necessary.
• Propagate by sowing spores as soon as ripe.
• Native to eastern Australia.