Alsophila smithii
soft tree fern
A slow-growing tree fern with an upright trunk covered in chestnut-coloured scales eventually reaching 5-8m tall. Fronds to 2.5m long are held horizontally from the crown and made up of soft, delicate leaflets, the longest reaching to 50cm, dark green above and paler green on the undersides
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Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Brown | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Brown | Green | ||
| Autumn | Brown | Green | ||
| Winter | Brown | Green |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Cyatheaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- New Zealand
How to grow
Cultivation
In areas prone to frost, grow in a container under glass with a minimum winter temperature of 10°C. The plant may be placed outside during the summer in a sheltered and partially-shaded spot. It requires a moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil; in hot, dry summers water the stem as well as the soil, but avoid watering the crown in winter. Apply liquid fertiliser monthly during the growing season. Will grow without winter protection only in milder areas
Propagation
Propagate by sowing spores as soon as ripe
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Dead or damaged fronds may be removed as necessary
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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