Tam, our tree fern, brings a prehistoric vibe to your outdoor space - like something you'd find in Jurassic Park. In fact, the fossil history of Tam dates back 250 million years, which is 50 million years before the beginning of the Jurassic Period. Pretty cool.
Native to Australia and New Zealand, Tam the tree fern is a sought after outdoor plant - and no wonder, considering his rich history and stunning foliage.
Once it's warm enough (after and before the frosts), Tam doesn't ask too much, just that you pop him in a sheltered spot, that you give him a good bit of shade and keep his soil moist. He will however need some winter protection. Wrap his 'crown' (the hairy bit above the soil that his fronds/leaves grow from) with some horticultural fleece or eco-wool packaging and remove this once it's warmed up.
Tree ferns are not particularly fast growers but you can encourage yours by repotting it every couple of years, when you see it's roots coming out the bottom of it's nursery pot, or by removing it from it's nursery pot and planting it straight into the ground or a larger decorative pot. Be sure to pot it up into compost rich in organic matter (loam, humus and sand), that holds on to some moisture but also drains freely.
As your tree fern grows it's main stem will grow thicker and taller, with lots of little roots around it's base (as well as beneath the soil). In hot dry summers, feel free to water the stem and the soil, but avoid getting the crown wet.
Easy care
Low light
Gentle sun
Moist soil
Shelter
