Cyathea dealbata

Origin: New Zealand

This magnificent tree fern comes from the dense, lush forests of New Zealand (North Island, South Island and Chatham Island). Its most prominent distinguishing characteristic is that the fronds are a beautiful silver-white underneath, and the stipes are silvery as well. The silvery fronds make it an exceptionally superb subject for night lighting. Trunk heights can ultimately reach 10 metres (33 feet). Fronds are tripinnate

It is quite rare in cultivation outside of Australia and New Zealand. The arching fronds are very large, sometimes up to 3m (10ft) and form a beautiful, full, dense crown. Outside of New Zealand it appears to grow best in the South West of Ireland where the cool temperate climate suits it best.

Trunk development begins rather slowly compared to some other species, and the fronds on young plants may not be silvery. Although it shows a definite preference for moisture and cool conditions, it does seem somewhat adaptable and relatively easy to grow even in relatively dry conditions.

It is hardy outdoors in the milder parts of the country, namely West Cork and Kerry, but my experience is to use as a pot plant or in a (cool) conservatory for best results in Dublin. However there is the usual problem of keeping a tree fern happy in a pot and indoors - plenty of watering and misting the foliage. I have over wintered a plant outdoors and it has survived but the new growth has been poor. (2004)

Same plant has survived unprotected over the winter of 2005/2006 and I await the new fronds. (17th April) - Update: Same tree fern fornded very successfully in 2006 and is doing very well in this mild winter as of February 2007 without any protection!

Origin : New Zealand
Common Name : Silver Tree Fern
Hardy scale : Hardy to around -3 Celsius
N.B. not very hardy needs winter protection outdoors.

Size (feet) Size (cm)	Price	Availability
1 foot trunk (30cm)	€ 80.00	Yes
2 foot trunk (60cm)	€ 160.00	Yes
3 foot trunk (90cm)	€ 275.00	Yes

May 2008 News Update -

New stock of Juania australis, Agave montana, Agave gentryi, Trachycarpus wagnerianus, Trachycarpus martianus 'Nepal Form' and many more.

Xanthorrhoea glauca GrassTree -

Picture of X. glauca in my garden 2005

X. glauca Grasstree - Prices start at €275.00

Dicksonia fibrosa Tree Fern carvings now available -

Sample photo of carving that we have in stock:

Beautiful, natural, sculptures in many forms from Dicksonia fibrosa and Black Mamaku