Tree ferns such as Dicksonia Antarctica are generally not deciduous in their natural location, but can become deciduous in colder climates.
Are tree ferns deciduous?
Deciduous means that a plant will annually drop its leaves (or at some time in their life cycle), they fall away after they are no longer needed anymore, or not suitable enough for providing energy.
Etymology of the word deciduous: Late 17th century: from Latin deciduous (from decidere ‘fall down or off’)
Technically tree ferns such as Dicksonia Antarctica are evergreen tree ferns, but in cold winters the leaves will brown after the frosts, eventually hanging down dry and dead thus also being classed as deciduous. Confusing eh?!
In my garden in the East of England, I have a pair of 6ft tree ferns, and they stay green until the frosts come. Once the leaves / fronds have frosted and turned brown, they will gradually wither away until naturally falling off in about a year later. Resist the temptation to cut them off, let the weight naturally open the crown – which will help get bigger and stronger growth the next year.
If you’re fortunate to be growing tree ferns in ideal conditions, they will stay green all year and won’t be deciduous at all.
Further Reading & Common Tree Fern Questions
- What should I plant with tree ferns?
- How do you propagate tree ferns?
- Can tree ferns like Dicksonia Antartica grow in pots?
- How can I make my ferns grow bigger?
- How fast does a tree fern grow?
- How long does it take for tree fern fronds to grow?
- Are tree ferns invasive?
- Are tree ferns expensive?
- Does a tree fern have roots?
- Can you grow a tree fern indoors?
- Are tree ferns deciduous?
- How long does a tree fern live?
- Do tree ferns prefer sun or shade?
- How do you cut back tree ferns?
- Are tree ferns hardy?
- How do you take care of a tree fern?
