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Rough Tree Fern

Rough Tree Fern

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Rough Tree Fern foliage

Rough Tree Fern foliage

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Description:

This fast growing variety produces attractive bright green bipinnate fronds that rise out of a stout trunk and arch as they mature; extremely hardy and tolerates direct sun when roots are wet; tolerates salt spray; a stunning accent or container plant

Ornamental Features

Rough Tree Fern's attractive large ferny bipinnately compound leaves emerge chartreuse in spring, turning green in color the rest of the year on a plant with an arching habit of growth.

Landscape Attributes

Rough Tree Fern is an open annual with a strong central leader and a shapely form and gracefully arching foliage. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other garden plants with less refined foliage.

This plant will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and should not require much pruning, except when necessary, such as to remove dieback. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Rough Tree Fern is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• Hedges/Screening
• General Garden Use
• Container Planting

Planting & Growing

Rough Tree Fern will grow to be about 20 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 12 feet. It has a high canopy of foliage that sits well above the ground. As it matures, the lower branches of this tree can be strategically removed to create a high enough canopy to support unobstructed human traffic underneath. Although it's not a true annual, this fast-growing plant can be expected to behave as an annual in our climate if left outdoors over the winter, usually needing replacement the following year. As such, gardeners should take into consideration that it will perform differently than it would in its native habitat.

This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. This plant does not require much in the way of fertilizing once established. It is not particular as to soil pH, but grows best in rich soils, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in both summer and winter to conserve soil moisture and protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This species is not originally from North America.

Rough Tree Fern is a fine choice for the yard, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor pots and containers. Because of its height, it is often used as a 'thriller' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination; plant it near the center of the pot, surrounded by smaller plants and those that spill over the edges. It is even sizeable enough that it can be grown alone in a suitable container. Note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden.