Not the plant you're looking for? Search over 300,000 plants
FernsConservatory GreenhouseHouseplants

Sphaeropteris cooperi

lacy tree fern

A fast-growing tree fern reaching 5m in ideal conditions, with a slender stem and mid-green fronds up to 4m long

Other common names
Australian tree fern
lacy tree fern
see morescaly tree fern
Synonyms
Cyathea cooperi
Cyathea cooperi improved
see moreAlsophila cooperi

Join the RHS

Become an RHS Member today and save 30% on your first year

Join now
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 years
Ultimate spread
2.5–4 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
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
H3
Botanical details
Family
Cyatheaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus

A genus of tree-fern with tall, single scaley stems and large yellow-brown to purple fronds at the top of these stems

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Australia

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. See how to grow ferns for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by sowing spores as soon as ripe

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Houseplants
  • Patio and container plants
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning

Dead or damaged fronds may be removed as necessary

Pests

Generally pest-free outdoors

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.