The tree fern appears majestic. With its long fronds, brown trunk and tropical-like character, it creates atmospheric accents. But what will happen to him in winter? Does it need antifreeze?
Are tree ferns hardy and how do you protect them in winter?
Some tree fern species, such as Australian, Tasmanian, New Zealand, crown and silver tree ferns, are somewhat hardy (-10°C to -4°C). In winter, it is advisable to overwinter sensitive species in a cool place, cover the root area with mulch and protect the trunk and fronds with fleece or mats.
There is no frost for tree ferns in the tropics
Most tree ferns originally come from tropical regions. There they do not have to withstand any frost. For this reason, they are not designed to survive the Central European winter with snow, frost and ice.
These species can tolerate sub-zero temperatures
But not all species have the same characteristics. There are a few subspecies of tree ferns that can stay outside throughout the winter. These include, for example:
- Australian tree fern
- Tasmanian tree fern
- New Zealand tree fern
- Crown Fern
- Silver Tree Fern
While the first two tree fern species are frost hardy down to -10 °C, the other three can only tolerate temperatures down to -7 °C orin unprotected locations down to -4 °C. The frost periods should not last long. Generally mild locations in Germany are ideal, such as the Lake Constance region and wine-growing regions in Rhineland-Palatinate.
Protecting sensitive tree ferns in winter
Tree ferns that are houseplants in the living room, for example, should be placed in an unheated room in winter. They overwinter there. Room temperatures between 5 and 10 °C are ideal for overwintering. These prevail, for example, in the winter garden. It is extremely important that the tree fern is not exposed to the winter sun.
Pots or buckets that were on the balcony should either be put in or protected in winter. If you decide to leave the pot outside, it should be covered with fleece and placed on a Styrofoam block. It is also important to place it in a protected location such as against the wall of the house.
Tree ferns in the open field can quickly suffer frost damage in winter. Young plants in particular are at risk. If there is no other option and they have to be kept outside over the winter, they can be protected as follows:
- Cut back fronds
- tie the remaining frond parts together with string
- apply a thick layer of bark mulch over the root area
- Cover the trunk with reed mats or straw mats
- if applicable Cover fronds with fleece
Tips & Tricks
Don't forget to water in winter! Fertilization, on the other hand, becomes secondary. A fertilizer break in winter does not harm the tree fern.
