Cyathea cooperi, the lacy tree fern or Australian tree fern, is one of the most elegant exotics you can grow under glass or in a sheltered courtyard. Native to the warm, humid forests of eastern Australia, it carries a crown of finely divided, arching fronds atop a slender trunk patterned with the scars of old frond bases. It is a genuine architectural statement plant, lending an instant rainforest feel to conservatories, shaded patios and lush jungle-style planting schemes.
What sets the lacy tree fern apart is its pace and poise. It is one of the faster-growing tree ferns, throwing up fresh, bright green fronds that unfurl in soft croziers and quickly build a generous, feathery canopy. The trunk is more slender and refined than that of the chunky Dicksonia, and the fine, pale scales scattered along the stem and frond bases give it the "lacy" character behind its common name.
How and where to grow it
This is a tender fern, so positioning matters. Choose a sheltered, humid, partly to fully shaded spot away from cold winds and harsh midday sun, which can scorch the foliage. Plant into moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil on the acid to neutral side, and keep the crown reliably damp through the growing season, watering into the top of the trunk as well as the roots.
- Hardiness: frost-tender, tolerating only brief, light frost to around -3C
- Position: partial to full shade, sheltered and humid
- Eventual size: 4-6m or more over many years in frost-free conditions, far smaller in a pot
Because it will not survive a typical UK winter outdoors, most growers treat Cyathea cooperi as a container plant, standing it out for summer and moving it into a frost-free conservatory, greenhouse or porch before the cold arrives. Searches for Cyathea cooperi UK and Cyathea cooperi for sale have grown steadily as gardeners discover just how lush and rewarding it is with a little winter care.
Every plant we send out is nursery-grown, healthy and carefully selected, ready to bring a touch of the Antipodean rainforest to your own collection of hardy and tender exotics.
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No, it is frost-tender and far less hardy than the more familiar Dicksonia antarctica. It only tolerates a brief, light frost to around -3C, so in most of the UK it needs a frost-free conservatory, greenhouse or porch over winter, or very thorough crown and trunk protection in the mildest coastal gardens.
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Partial to full shade suits it best. Grow it in a sheltered, humid spot out of cold winds and strong midday sun, which can scorch the soft fronds. Dappled woodland-style light gives the lushest growth.
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In ideal frost-free conditions it is one of the faster-growing tree ferns and can reach 4-6m or more, with a slender trunk and a spreading crown of fronds up to 2-3m long. In UK pot culture it stays considerably smaller and more manageable.
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Yes, container growing is the most practical option in the UK because it lets you move the plant under cover before the first frosts. Use a large pot with humus-rich, free-draining compost, keep it consistently moist, and never let the crown dry out.
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It is evergreen, holding its arching fronds year-round in frost-free conditions. There is no reported toxicity to people or pets, though the fine bristly scales on the trunk and young fronds can irritate sensitive skin, so gloves are handy when handling it.
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We always aim to make sure our customers love our products, but if you do need to return an order within 14 days of purchase (not including plants*), or any items are damaged, we’re happy to help. Just email us directly at hello@growtropicals.com, and we’ll take you through the process.
Please note: we cannot be held liable for any packaging costs should the original packaging be discarded.
*Unfortunately we cannot accept returns of undamaged plants as these are perishable items and are not saleable upon return. If a plant is damaged, we will compensate for this as per our live arrival guarantee. -
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