Thank you for this video. Now, I know what to do, but also, when and why. I like that you break your video into chapters, I can easily come back to parts that I want to see again👍
Nice one, thanks for watching and I’m pleased that it was helpful! I try to do that as often I’m just looking to get a specific question answered when I’m watching videos and it’s handy to get to it quickly ☺️
Great advice George, this is my second winter with our tree fern and I now know that I WAY WAY WAY !!! Overdid the fleecing and the length of time I left it on and the amount of watering I didn't do !!! I thank you , my wife thanks you and Timothy thanks you!! ( Timothy by the way is the Tree fern!!!!! And it was my wife that named him, nothing to do with me!! 😆😆😆)
Haha thanks Trev! It’s not that you necessarily did anything wrong last year but in a drier winter it could make the tree fern dry out faster for sure. Good luck with Timothy this year! 😂
Hi George again, so desperate to show you a picture of my tree fern and get your advice on raising it up now it has a 35cm patio around it. It’s been in around 3 years and of course I don’t want to damage the roots I’ll use good organic compost and farm manure mix to fill the excess 35 cm. Your advice would be greatly received. Thanks, David👍
Ay up George some great advice there,l lost all mine years ago due to extreme frost and maybe not doing enough research,back then l just folded all the brown leaves back over the crown that was the advice then but it wasn't enough, l said never again but alas l couldn't resist and bought a small one last year and followed your advice about not letting the crown close up l never knew that and it's probably the best tip about lookin after these fab ferns,cheers dude👍
Hi Craig and thanks for the comment. We have had some really punishing cold in previous years and there’s definitely a lot of misinformation about wrapping tree ferns out there. I’m pleased you’re giving one another go 😃
This is real information, without adornment, just pure useful facts. I'm absorbing your hints + your advice and I will be putting same into practice in a few months. I have decided to wait until Spring before buying and planting in some big tree ferns.....not that we get frost here, but I figure they will be happier to settle-in when the days are longer. Thanks.
Thanks Richard, that’s great to hear and I’m pleased it’s helpful, I have done another full vid on growing tree ferns that you might appreciate too. I’d probably do the same as you and buy in spring at this point too. Whereabouts are you from?
Great video. It’s our first year with these beauties… We got a bit carried away and ended up with 8! We have a 6ft, 4ft, 3ft, 2 x 2ft and 3 x 1ft. How much fleece do you think we’ll need? We only have 2 x 10m rolls so far. Do you use a full roll for the bigger ones? Do you reuse the fleece or replace it with dry stuff when rewrapping? Thanks
Wow, that’s quite the tree fern forest! You might need another roll or two but it’s hard to say for definite, the good news is you can reuse the fleece and it dries out quite quickly. I tend to keep bigger pieces for wrapping and smaller pieces for going in the crowns. It’s cheap enough to have a roll or two safe in case 👍
Great information as always George. Up in the coastal NE in 4 years I've only needed step 1 and 2 luckily. I have a clump of 6 Dicksonians together. They do a super job of protecting each other so I don't bother with anything but straw alone changing a couple of times per winter. Mostly evergreen up here which is why I view them as part of the bones of the winter garden 👍
Thank you very much for watching and commenting as always! I can't fault you, they're an important part of my winter garden too and hopefully we have have another step 1 & 2 winter this year. Keeping the old fronds green really adds to the volume of the foliage but I know that's asking a bit much! Fingers crossed...
Great video George...watched a couple of times before but always handy to have a recap as the colder weather is looming. Just put some dry leaves in the crown at moment as it's still relatively mild here in Essex and only a couple of zero degree night drops forecast. Thanks again 👍
Hi great video, I have a very small one with a trunk of only and 2 inches, is in best to bring in doors to a cool room and ensure its kept well watered , many thanks
Hi Jim and thanks, apologies for the delayed reply. It'll be absolutely fine outside while it's mild, when it's frosty I'd move it to somewhere frost free but ideally not too warm. I've had a small one in the conservatory in the past and it grew well, you just have to be careful to keep the watering and humidity up as you mention.
Great video as always George 👏👏👏 love the three steps and I have two in 130litre pots and one in the ground. If the weather gets really cold, with prolonged frosts and wind, should I wrap the pot itself too ? As I don’t want the roots to freeze. ? I have fleece at the ready and watching the weather daily 😂😂😂
Hi Colin and thanks. I kept mine in similar sizes of pots from 2017 to 2020 without wrapping them but again it depends on the duration of the cold. Big pots are definitely better, they’ll take longer to freeze through.
Thanks so much for another great video on overwintering ferns. Got a 7ft tree fern in October. Doing well but lost a few fronds in a storm. Very helpful advice on how you actually secure a ball of fleece or top 1 foot protection - it was good to understand how to do that in practice. I also have Cyathea (since September). An australis planted in ground under a deciduous tree in a relatively sheltered position. I was going to cover with winter protection if we get a freeze here. Also have a cooperii in a large plastic pot now positioned under the same tree since the weather got colder. I saw you had one of those in one of your other videos. I understand cooperii is more tender than australis. Would you recommend taking the potted cooperii inside during the coldest times of Winter? Or would fleece etc be ok? Also, do you think I'm ok to keep the australis outside? I expect my weather is less inclined to severe frosts than your location. South East coastal area of Ireland - probably milder I think. Thanks as always for your great informative videos!
Thanks, I’m pleased you found it helpful! What sort of temperatures do you usually get it winter? I’d definitely say you’re more sheltered than here but Cyatheas aren’t as tough as Dicksonia for sure. Mine are a Cyathea brownii and medullaris, they’ll both definitely need serious winter protection or bringing inside here unfortunately!
@@GeorgesJungleGarden - sorry forgot to reply to your rquestion about temperatures in my location. I think it rarely goes below -2 or -3 on a normal year. And rarely for more than a few hours. But as I said in my other reply, it's been an unusually warm Winter so far. We benefit here from the coastal location.
@@synapticburst No worries! In that case maybe planting out the Cyatheas is a possibility as long as you’re prepared to protect during those colder spells. They’ll need protection but hopefully not for too long every year.
Hi Jimmy, they prefer shady conditions, yes, but here in the UK, they’re quite adaptable with our weak sun! Moisture is crucial though. The sunnier the location, the more water they need.
Thanks for the great tips again. I tied my green fonds up to hold the straw in last year. Big mistake as it closed up the crown like you said and only got 7 small fonds this year. Hopefully I can get it back on track next year. Cheers.
Hi and thanks. I suspect that it may also be a lack of water during the drier spells that caused the frond size decrease, if it’s just one year though it should be reversible with care 👍
Thanks. Worth the 21 minutes with no skipping. I was given a present of one last September (late). I had tried them before, unsuccessfully, but much, much smaller than this one whose crown is at about 1 meter high, so I've been making a special effort to get it right this time. I've noticed how watering matters. Question; does "new" equate to "young"? Added to that question... it's NOW unfurling new fronds (that started late October, it's on it's second and a third on the way, which will probably just push the fleece up out of the way) I mentioned that to someone who quickly responded "Those plants come from the other side of the world, where it's spring now" Hmmmmm??? (-: ? Secondly, I'm in Belgium where I've seen temperatures at between -5°to -10° and wet. Previously, with a large banana, I packed straw all over it and then wrapped that with fleece. Trouble was, somehow the straw got wet and when it froze... dead plant. So before seeing this latest video, I had a plan... bought a roll of semi-rigid netting with the idea of placing canes near the fern, wrapping the net (which only has very small holes so should keep most rain out) around those canes, leaving an air gap between the it and the fern - then put an outer circle of canes and wrap that with the net and then pack that circular corridor with straw, none of which touching the fern, obviously - and finally if worse weather beckons, wrap that with fleece too. Whatcha think (-:
Thanks for your comment. Is your ‘new’ plant planted out or in a pot? Yes, they do often have their times mixed up, especially when bought late in the season. I think the process of being stuck in a cold container for many weeks then brought out into the warmth and watered is as likely an explanation as coming from another hemisphere - I’m sure they’re both factors though! I get your point about the banana but I don’t think tree ferns are as affected by the dampness and as prone to rot as bananas are. Your protection plan definitely sounds like a good idea if you see the temperatures you do in winter, plenty of insulation is key 👍
@@GeorgesJungleGarden Many thanks for your prompt reply. I planted it out the day after I got it, so late-ish September. It had several fronds fully opened and were as long and longer as the stump is tall. Though I had to remove the broken ones, there are still many left. Dryness and wind can be an issue, so I dug a large hole and filled a portion with home-made compost adding some of those things that swell-up with water and slowly releases it. Then added some earth from digging the hole - up to around still 10 to15cm deep and then placed the rootless stump and filled in around it. Then rammed three long thin canes deep enough to make it all secure once stump and canes were wrapped together using rubber 'twine' The idea behind having an independent circular corridor of straw around it is to allow me to be able to continuing to water the stump as well as to keep frozen damp straw away from it.
@@aquachimp1 That all makes sense and it sounds like you’ve got a good plan together. Hopefully the mild weather continues long enough for the new fronds to harden off, I wouldn’t chop any more off before the new ones come through in spring.
@@GeorgesJungleGarden Thanks again. I had to chop off around 3 - the were hanging by a thread, - almost cut straight through. I'm hoping for the look like your one with the dead bit still hanging. I forgot to mention, when 'planting' I left a mini-moat all round - just an indentation so water would collect there rather than run straight off ... all very fine, but for next year, I also need some carnivorous plants around it for the mosquitoes. Ps, just found you on Instagram almost an hour ago.
@@aquachimp1 Yes, that can happen, especially with plants with new fronds or those that have been grown in a more sheltered environment. Once your tree fern gets it’s roots spreading you won’t be planting a lot round it, they soon form a dense mat of roots! I’ll head over to Insta now 👍
I live on the exposed Northumberland coast so the wind is the worst, drys in the summer cold freezing winds in winter but they are fine fonds can brown off early in the winter due to the wind but I protect the trunk and all is well.
Wow, that’s testing them then Mick, but as you say you protect the trunk early and it keeps them going. That’s what it’s about, adapting the protection to the environment and weather 👍
Hi George, a really silly question do you still feed over the winter months? Omg Max is so my dachshund Bailey. Thank you so much for ur videos you've really helped. This also may sound nuts but I've got pdsd and ur videos take my mind off things. I've also put a little video of my tropical ish garden lol
Hi Chris, not a silly question but no, I don’t. I do try to mulch certain areas but that’s more general soil improvement. I’m pleased you enjoy my vids and hi to Bailey! They’re amazing dogs aren’t they, full on though 😂 I’m pleased the vids are giving you a bit of an escape, I like chilling out with RUclips when I need a bit of a break from things. I’ll have a look out for your video when I’m on the main RUclips app later 👍
Thank you very much! I generally just water the exposed part of the trunk and leave the fleece as it is - not a silly question at all. If it's cold enough that they're fully wrapped then I wouldn't want to be filling the crowns with water anyway but may still give the base of the plant a good soaking on a milder day.
Great information! Been mollycoddling mine a little too much! Have border ferns and would like to know how much protection they need as they have no core! Thanks George
I’m pleased the vid has helped you Eileen! It’s all about finding a balance, cool damp air suits them better than being wrapped up too long for sure. Are your border ferns younger Dicksonia antartica or something different?
@@GeorgesJungleGarden Being a novice George I wouldn't know the names but certainly thriving after planting 4 years ago! Awesome the pleasure they bring! I feed them with Fern Food during the summer and what a difference it has made! Normally wrap them well as we have some hard frosts in the NE but you have put a different slant on things! I may try not being too protective this winter. Thanks fro the sound advice! 🤞
@@eileengraham8103 Ferns are lovely plants but can definitely be tricky to ID, I certainly wouldn't claim to be an expert on them in general. I'm pleased yours are growing well with the care you're giving them and that they bring you so much joy. It's a bit of a generalisation but most ground ferns regularly sold in the UK and planted in relatively sheltered spots tend to be tough and hardy. Some are evergreen, others die down for winter - the only ones I protect are a couple of very specific varieties which I knew were borderline tender when I put them in. If yours have been through multiple winters then they sound like they're hardy to me!
Hi there George, another great video! I've just bought a 4ft trunk! Then realised probably worst time of year to buy it on a cold December in Cardiff! It has about 15 croziers just unfurling. Would you suggest planting it out now and cover the unfurled croziers? Or should i keep it indoors until spring in a pot? Did watch your other video and in the ground seems a better bet than a pot, but again been a frosty recently so I'm a bit nervous!
Hi Martin and thanks. No worries Martin, it'll make a great addition to your garden even if it's not the optimal time for it to be growing. Personally I'd move it very close to your house and possibly into a garage etc if it's likely to be frosty or freezing. Whilst the plants are quite tough, the new unfurling fronds are very tender and it would be a shame to lose them so definitely somewhere frost free but being careful not to let it dry out. Hopefully the fronds come out and harden off OK for you!
@GeorgesJungleGarden so maybe start in a pot that I can move to a frost free spot if there's a prolonged frost forecast and back out again once its warmed up again, and then into the ground in spring?
Sounds like a plan, yes, I'd pop it in a pot with handles (those black plastic ones off Ebay are easier to move around) and put some soil / compost in the base so it can begin rooting over winter. Hopefully it continues to be mild! @@martingriffiths5516
Hi George, love the videos, I have a quick question re tree fern's. It's forecast here to get to -3 for next five nights. I have a treee fern in a pot that is in a sheltered position and I've put some protection in the crown. This is my first winter with it, of course I want to know, should I bring it in or risk it? It's blooming heavy and I tend to prefer leaving things to their own devices if possible. Thanks in advance.
Hi Paul and thanks, will answer you quickly. If it’s in a relatively sheltered position like you say then I’d be tempted to wrap the trunk and pot with fleece in case the freeze extends or the temperatures get lower. That should be fine with these kind of temperatures 👍
Thanks for the handy tips George, wish I’d had this info a few years ago! Undoubtedly due to my own ignorance and winter treatment (ie. Cutting the fronds off!), the crown of my 4’ tree fern has become more conical, is there anyway to help it “expand” more over the coming years?
i had that problem last year . i kept it well watered all this year. sprayed the trunk just to wet it, up to 6 times a day. the growing point has gone from 2.5 inches to 6.5 inches threw the summer. and i can see that the top of the trunk looks thicker. just make sure your soil is well drained. dont want water logged.
Thanks Kev. Some narrowing of the crown can happen naturally and is understandable given the dramatic change of habitat so don’t beat yourself up about it. I’d say the best things you can do would be to leave the fronds on until the new ones are pushing through, only chop them off when they’re brown and also give the fern more regular water. When you’re watering it’s not literally to give the roots a drink, it’s to try to create a moist and humid environment for the fern so frequency is important, especially during dry summer spells.
George wrapped the full 8ft trunk of my tree fern last night as there was to be frost .No more frosty weather for the week, should I remove fleece again just thinking about watering and over all health of the plant.It's layered with white geo textile non woven fleece which is much thicker than normal fleece.
Hi Paul, I wouldn’t worry about wrapping the whole plant when it’s frosty. I’d personally stick to leaves / fleece in the crown while it’s frosty, fleece the top foot while there’s subzero temps then only fully wrap it during extended freezes.
Hi George, our tree fern was looking amazing until the cold and snow but now it looks very sorry for itself. All the fronds are browned from start to finish, most have bent and some have snapped off. Is this normal in such a short space of time? We did protect with fleece and straw. Liz n Guy
Hi, is it a new fern you picked up this year? If so, the fronds might have developed in a different environment and not be tough enough for the winter weather but the plant itself should be fine. It’s always a bit of a gamble how the fronds look after wintry weather, what low temperatures have you got down to over the last week or so?
Hi George, thanks for your very informative videos. We have just purchased a 1m trunk and as it is now late November what do you think would be the best thing to do - plant it straight into the garden ( protecting as you’ve described) or pot it up and place in the Greenhouse ( if the forecast is freezing) over winter & then plant out in Spring?
Hi Julie, thank you very much and congratulations on your new garden addition! I’d pot it up for this winter and keep the greenhouse option there if it freezes. That way you’ll have that bit of reassurance there if this winter does get cold and it’ll have a good while to settle in before next winter.
Max is so cute 😍 is it possible to buy a very small tree fern indoors, and move it outdoors once it's too big for the home? Or do they not fair well indoors all year round?
Haha thanks. It’s possible but they won’t enjoy the low humidity in most homes unfortunately. Plus they soon start to send large fronds out. Not impossible but probably not the best start for a plant you’re then going to plant into your garden. There are some smaller varieties like Blechnums but I’m not sure how they’ll handle the low humidity either unfortunately!
Can I get advice I have two tree ferns which have been fetch into the garage for winter Iv wrapped them up am new to this as this was my partners baby the garden. But he’s no longer around Do I need to wrap the roots and do I still water them. ?
Hi Craig, in winter I tend to just focus on the trunk. I only really avoid watering the crown when it’s likely to freeze but it rains enough anyway to give the crowns a good soaking. I wouldn’t say it matters too much and I’d rather water the crown than have the plants go dry.
@@GeorgesJungleGarden Thanks for the answer , I've just had a 5 foot fern and wanted to find as much as possible about them , great videos on jungle look plants inspired me to do the same in a corner of My yard
Hi, usually more watering is key. Not cutting fronds off prematurely certainly helps but if your crown is narrowing quite severely and the fronds are too small it’s usually due to a lack of water or the fern drying out too often.
@@valougame3175 I suppose the ball of fleece would do that to an extent? I genuinely think leaving the fronds on and more watering will produce a healthier plant with a bigger crown though, the more suitable the environment the bigger it should grow 😃
Very informative video, as I have just started getting into the jungle style gardening, one question I have do you recommend tying the fonds up when wrapping up for winter or let them do their thing.?. Looking forward to more videos.
Hi and thanks. Personally I let them do their thing, I suppose you could protect them if there was a spell of deeper cold but my priority is the protection of the plant itself and I think it does the plant could to have the older fronds hanging down all winter.
Thank you - my first year owning one of these beauties so bracing myself for winter care …! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Nice one Gavin and I’m sure you’ll be fine 😃 It’s always reassuring to see those new croziers in spring though!
Thank you for this video. Now, I know what to do, but also, when and why. I like that you break your video into chapters, I can easily come back to parts that I want to see again👍
Nice one, thanks for watching and I’m pleased that it was helpful! I try to do that as often I’m just looking to get a specific question answered when I’m watching videos and it’s handy to get to it quickly ☺️
Great advice George. i find a new layer of mulch helps protect the roots as well before winter 👍
Thanks and that’s a top tip too, I’ll be mulching all my shady borders! 😃
That's exactly what I was thinking, as well!!
Im going to try my hand at more tropical style stuff next year, im already researching a year in advance !
Love your channel mate
Haha thanks Michael! Good luck with it, it’s definitely worth getting a bit of a plan / general vibe together 😃
Great video George 👍
Thank you Barry! 😃
Thanks George, perfectly explained .
Oh and the tip about straw in the crown of palms was useful too .
Thanks Dave! Yes, it’s a good insulating material for short periods but with palms especially the airflow is important even if you’re using fleece.
Great advice George, this is my second winter with our tree fern and I now know that I WAY WAY WAY !!! Overdid the fleecing and the length of time I left it on and the amount of watering I didn't do !!!
I thank you , my wife thanks you and Timothy thanks you!! ( Timothy by the way is the Tree fern!!!!! And it was my wife that named him, nothing to do with me!! 😆😆😆)
Haha thanks Trev! It’s not that you necessarily did anything wrong last year but in a drier winter it could make the tree fern dry out faster for sure. Good luck with Timothy this year! 😂
I like your wife's style, I named my indoor Cactus , good to know I am not on my own in doing this 😂
@@missdimples1982 What is it’s name?!
@@GeorgesJungleGarden Peter, not a very well suited cactus name I'll admit 😂
@@missdimples1982 Haha that’s fantastic 😂 If he looks like looks like a Peter then nothing else will do!
Hi George again, so desperate to show you a picture of my tree fern and get your advice on raising it up now it has a 35cm patio around it. It’s been in around 3 years and of course I don’t want to damage the roots I’ll use good organic compost and farm manure mix to fill the excess 35 cm. Your advice would be greatly received. Thanks, David👍
Hi David, photos don't work on here but you could send a photo over to my Facebook page if you want?
Ay up George some great advice there,l lost all mine years ago due to extreme frost and maybe not doing enough research,back then l just folded all the brown leaves back over the crown that was the advice then but it wasn't enough, l said never again but alas l couldn't resist and bought a small one last year and followed your advice about not letting the crown close up l never knew that and it's probably the best tip about lookin after these fab ferns,cheers dude👍
Hi Craig and thanks for the comment. We have had some really punishing cold in previous years and there’s definitely a lot of misinformation about wrapping tree ferns out there. I’m pleased you’re giving one another go 😃
Great video
Thank you very much!
More good advice, George. I reckon tree ferns could be your specialist subject on Mastermind.
Haha thanks Alan! Not sure about that but it’s definitely a subject I can waffle on about for a video 😂
Thanks good timing for us more northern inhabitants.
Yes, we’ve been lucky so far but it’s got to be on it’s way!
This is real information, without adornment, just pure useful facts. I'm absorbing your hints + your advice and I will be putting same into practice in a few months. I have decided to wait until Spring before buying and planting in some big tree ferns.....not that we get frost here, but I figure they will be happier to settle-in when the days are longer. Thanks.
Thanks Richard, that’s great to hear and I’m pleased it’s helpful, I have done another full vid on growing tree ferns that you might appreciate too. I’d probably do the same as you and buy in spring at this point too. Whereabouts are you from?
Perfect! Thank you, watched the whole thing and glad I did 🌿 First time tree fern owner here!
That’s great, I’m pleased it was helpful! They’re lovely plants and well worth a bit of winter care 😃
I do love a tree fern. Have none of my own yet. Planning to buy a few and plant with my baby Gunnera and a few other native ferns etc.
Fantastic, that sounds like a similar mix to what I’ve got here, I’m sure you’ll make it look great 😃
Great video. It’s our first year with these beauties… We got a bit carried away and ended up with 8! We have a 6ft, 4ft, 3ft, 2 x 2ft and 3 x 1ft.
How much fleece do you think we’ll need? We only have 2 x 10m rolls so far. Do you use a full roll for the bigger ones? Do you reuse the fleece or replace it with dry stuff when rewrapping?
Thanks
Wow, that’s quite the tree fern forest! You might need another roll or two but it’s hard to say for definite, the good news is you can reuse the fleece and it dries out quite quickly. I tend to keep bigger pieces for wrapping and smaller pieces for going in the crowns. It’s cheap enough to have a roll or two safe in case 👍
Great information as always George. Up in the coastal NE in 4 years I've only needed step 1 and 2 luckily. I have a clump of 6 Dicksonians together. They do a super job of protecting each other so I don't bother with anything but straw alone changing a couple of times per winter. Mostly evergreen up here which is why I view them as part of the bones of the winter garden 👍
Thank you very much for watching and commenting as always! I can't fault you, they're an important part of my winter garden too and hopefully we have have another step 1 & 2 winter this year. Keeping the old fronds green really adds to the volume of the foliage but I know that's asking a bit much! Fingers crossed...
Great video George...watched a couple of times before but always handy to have a recap as the colder weather is looming. Just put some dry leaves in the crown at moment as it's still relatively mild here in Essex and only a couple of zero degree night drops forecast. Thanks again 👍
Nice one, thanks John. That’s what I’m doing with mine this Sunday, nothing more needed yet 😃
Very helpful. Thank you.
Thanks Carolyn, I’m pleased it was helpful!
Hi great video, I have a very small one with a trunk of only and 2 inches, is in best to bring in doors to a cool room and ensure its kept well watered , many thanks
Hi Jim and thanks, apologies for the delayed reply. It'll be absolutely fine outside while it's mild, when it's frosty I'd move it to somewhere frost free but ideally not too warm. I've had a small one in the conservatory in the past and it grew well, you just have to be careful to keep the watering and humidity up as you mention.
Great video as always George 👏👏👏 love the three steps and I have two in 130litre pots and one in the ground. If the weather gets really cold, with prolonged frosts and wind, should I wrap the pot itself too ? As I don’t want the roots to freeze. ? I have fleece at the ready and watching the weather daily 😂😂😂
Hi Colin and thanks. I kept mine in similar sizes of pots from 2017 to 2020 without wrapping them but again it depends on the duration of the cold. Big pots are definitely better, they’ll take longer to freeze through.
Ferns on the whole love water and thrives well in moist shady surroundings
They do indeed, they always look healthier and more vibrant in those conditions!
Great vid, thanks
Thanks Rory! 😃
Great info
Thank you very much Ben 👍
They look gorgeous!!
Thank you very much Cristina 😃
Thanks so much for another great video on overwintering ferns. Got a 7ft tree fern in October. Doing well but lost a few fronds in a storm. Very helpful advice on how you actually secure a ball of fleece or top 1 foot protection - it was good to understand how to do that in practice. I also have Cyathea (since September). An australis planted in ground under a deciduous tree in a relatively sheltered position. I was going to cover with winter protection if we get a freeze here. Also have a cooperii in a large plastic pot now positioned under the same tree since the weather got colder. I saw you had one of those in one of your other videos. I understand cooperii is more tender than australis. Would you recommend taking the potted cooperii inside during the coldest times of Winter? Or would fleece etc be ok? Also, do you think I'm ok to keep the australis outside? I expect my weather is less inclined to severe frosts than your location. South East coastal area of Ireland - probably milder I think. Thanks as always for your great informative videos!
Thanks, I’m pleased you found it helpful! What sort of temperatures do you usually get it winter? I’d definitely say you’re more sheltered than here but Cyatheas aren’t as tough as Dicksonia for sure. Mine are a Cyathea brownii and medullaris, they’ll both definitely need serious winter protection or bringing inside here unfortunately!
@@GeorgesJungleGarden - sorry forgot to reply to your rquestion about temperatures in my location. I think it rarely goes below -2 or -3 on a normal year. And rarely for more than a few hours. But as I said in my other reply, it's been an unusually warm Winter so far. We benefit here from the coastal location.
@@synapticburst No worries! In that case maybe planting out the Cyatheas is a possibility as long as you’re prepared to protect during those colder spells. They’ll need protection but hopefully not for too long every year.
Hi George. I have an area in my Garden that gets afternoon sun. I would say about 4-5 hours of sun. I read that tree ferns prefer shady conditions.
Hi Jimmy, they prefer shady conditions, yes, but here in the UK, they’re quite adaptable with our weak sun! Moisture is crucial though. The sunnier the location, the more water they need.
Thanks for the great tips again. I tied my green fonds up to hold the straw in last year. Big mistake as it closed up the crown like you said and only got 7 small fonds this year. Hopefully I can get it back on track next year. Cheers.
Hi and thanks. I suspect that it may also be a lack of water during the drier spells that caused the frond size decrease, if it’s just one year though it should be reversible with care 👍
Thanks. Worth the 21 minutes with no skipping. I was given a present of one last September (late). I had tried them before, unsuccessfully, but much, much smaller than this one whose crown is at about 1 meter high, so I've been making a special effort to get it right this time. I've noticed how watering matters. Question; does "new" equate to "young"? Added to that question... it's NOW unfurling new fronds (that started late October, it's on it's second and a third on the way, which will probably just push the fleece up out of the way) I mentioned that to someone who quickly responded "Those plants come from the other side of the world, where it's spring now" Hmmmmm??? (-: ? Secondly, I'm in Belgium where I've seen temperatures at between -5°to -10° and wet. Previously, with a large banana, I packed straw all over it and then wrapped that with fleece. Trouble was, somehow the straw got wet and when it froze... dead plant. So before seeing this latest video, I had a plan... bought a roll of semi-rigid netting with the idea of placing canes near the fern, wrapping the net (which only has very small holes so should keep most rain out) around those canes, leaving an air gap between the it and the fern - then put an outer circle of canes and wrap that with the net and then pack that circular corridor with straw, none of which touching the fern, obviously - and finally if worse weather beckons, wrap that with fleece too. Whatcha think (-:
Thanks for your comment. Is your ‘new’ plant planted out or in a pot? Yes, they do often have their times mixed up, especially when bought late in the season. I think the process of being stuck in a cold container for many weeks then brought out into the warmth and watered is as likely an explanation as coming from another hemisphere - I’m sure they’re both factors though! I get your point about the banana but I don’t think tree ferns are as affected by the dampness and as prone to rot as bananas are. Your protection plan definitely sounds like a good idea if you see the temperatures you do in winter, plenty of insulation is key 👍
@@GeorgesJungleGarden Many thanks for your prompt reply. I planted it out the day after I got it, so late-ish September. It had several fronds fully opened and were as long and longer as the stump is tall. Though I had to remove the broken ones, there are still many left. Dryness and wind can be an issue, so I dug a large hole and filled a portion with home-made compost adding some of those things that swell-up with water and slowly releases it. Then added some earth from digging the hole - up to around still 10 to15cm deep and then placed the rootless stump and filled in around it. Then rammed three long thin canes deep enough to make it all secure once stump and canes were wrapped together using rubber 'twine' The idea behind having an independent circular corridor of straw around it is to allow me to be able to continuing to water the stump as well as to keep frozen damp straw away from it.
@@aquachimp1 That all makes sense and it sounds like you’ve got a good plan together. Hopefully the mild weather continues long enough for the new fronds to harden off, I wouldn’t chop any more off before the new ones come through in spring.
@@GeorgesJungleGarden Thanks again. I had to chop off around 3 - the were hanging by a thread, - almost cut straight through. I'm hoping for the look like your one with the dead bit still hanging. I forgot to mention, when 'planting' I left a mini-moat all round - just an indentation so water would collect there rather than run straight off ... all very fine, but for next year, I also need some carnivorous plants around it for the mosquitoes. Ps, just found you on Instagram almost an hour ago.
@@aquachimp1 Yes, that can happen, especially with plants with new fronds or those that have been grown in a more sheltered environment. Once your tree fern gets it’s roots spreading you won’t be planting a lot round it, they soon form a dense mat of roots! I’ll head over to Insta now 👍
I live on the exposed Northumberland coast so the wind is the worst, drys in the summer cold freezing winds in winter but they are fine fonds can brown off early in the winter due to the wind but I protect the trunk and all is well.
Wow, that’s testing them then Mick, but as you say you protect the trunk early and it keeps them going. That’s what it’s about, adapting the protection to the environment and weather 👍
Hi George, a really silly question do you still feed over the winter months?
Omg Max is so my dachshund Bailey.
Thank you so much for ur videos you've really helped. This also may sound nuts but I've got pdsd and ur videos take my mind off things. I've also put a little video of my tropical ish garden lol
Hi Chris, not a silly question but no, I don’t. I do try to mulch certain areas but that’s more general soil improvement. I’m pleased you enjoy my vids and hi to Bailey! They’re amazing dogs aren’t they, full on though 😂 I’m pleased the vids are giving you a bit of an escape, I like chilling out with RUclips when I need a bit of a break from things. I’ll have a look out for your video when I’m on the main RUclips app later 👍
Great video George, maybe a silly question but do you take the fleece off when watering?
Thank you very much! I generally just water the exposed part of the trunk and leave the fleece as it is - not a silly question at all. If it's cold enough that they're fully wrapped then I wouldn't want to be filling the crowns with water anyway but may still give the base of the plant a good soaking on a milder day.
Great information! Been mollycoddling mine a little too much! Have border ferns and would like to know how much protection they need as they have no core! Thanks George
I’m pleased the vid has helped you Eileen! It’s all about finding a balance, cool damp air suits them better than being wrapped up too long for sure. Are your border ferns younger Dicksonia antartica or something different?
@@GeorgesJungleGarden Being a novice George I wouldn't know the names but certainly thriving after planting 4 years ago! Awesome the pleasure they bring! I feed them with Fern Food during the summer and what a difference it has made! Normally wrap them well as we have some hard frosts in the NE but you have put a different slant on things! I may try not being too protective this winter.
Thanks fro the sound advice!
🤞
@@eileengraham8103 Ferns are lovely plants but can definitely be tricky to ID, I certainly wouldn't claim to be an expert on them in general. I'm pleased yours are growing well with the care you're giving them and that they bring you so much joy. It's a bit of a generalisation but most ground ferns regularly sold in the UK and planted in relatively sheltered spots tend to be tough and hardy. Some are evergreen, others die down for winter - the only ones I protect are a couple of very specific varieties which I knew were borderline tender when I put them in. If yours have been through multiple winters then they sound like they're hardy to me!
Hi there George, another great video! I've just bought a 4ft trunk! Then realised probably worst time of year to buy it on a cold December in Cardiff! It has about 15 croziers just unfurling. Would you suggest planting it out now and cover the unfurled croziers? Or should i keep it indoors until spring in a pot? Did watch your other video and in the ground seems a better bet than a pot, but again been a frosty recently so I'm a bit nervous!
Hi Martin and thanks. No worries Martin, it'll make a great addition to your garden even if it's not the optimal time for it to be growing. Personally I'd move it very close to your house and possibly into a garage etc if it's likely to be frosty or freezing. Whilst the plants are quite tough, the new unfurling fronds are very tender and it would be a shame to lose them so definitely somewhere frost free but being careful not to let it dry out. Hopefully the fronds come out and harden off OK for you!
@GeorgesJungleGarden so maybe start in a pot that I can move to a frost free spot if there's a prolonged frost forecast and back out again once its warmed up again, and then into the ground in spring?
Sounds like a plan, yes, I'd pop it in a pot with handles (those black plastic ones off Ebay are easier to move around) and put some soil / compost in the base so it can begin rooting over winter. Hopefully it continues to be mild! @@martingriffiths5516
Hi George, love the videos, I have a quick question re tree fern's. It's forecast here to get to -3 for next five nights. I have a treee fern in a pot that is in a sheltered position and I've put some protection in the crown. This is my first winter with it, of course I want to know, should I bring it in or risk it? It's blooming heavy and I tend to prefer leaving things to their own devices if possible. Thanks in advance.
Hi Paul and thanks, will answer you quickly. If it’s in a relatively sheltered position like you say then I’d be tempted to wrap the trunk and pot with fleece in case the freeze extends or the temperatures get lower. That should be fine with these kind of temperatures 👍
@@GeorgesJungleGarden Thanks a lot George,, really appreciate the reply and it's promptness! :-) Have a good Christmas.
@@Thumtwiddler No worries and thank you very much, you too!
Thanks for the handy tips George, wish I’d had this info a few years ago! Undoubtedly due to my own ignorance and winter treatment (ie. Cutting the fronds off!), the crown of my 4’ tree fern has become more conical, is there anyway to help it “expand” more over the coming years?
i had that problem last year . i kept it well watered all this year. sprayed the trunk just to wet it, up to 6 times a day. the growing point has gone from 2.5 inches to 6.5 inches threw the summer. and i can see that the top of the trunk looks thicker. just make sure your soil is well drained. dont want water logged.
Thanks Kev. Some narrowing of the crown can happen naturally and is understandable given the dramatic change of habitat so don’t beat yourself up about it. I’d say the best things you can do would be to leave the fronds on until the new ones are pushing through, only chop them off when they’re brown and also give the fern more regular water. When you’re watering it’s not literally to give the roots a drink, it’s to try to create a moist and humid environment for the fern so frequency is important, especially during dry summer spells.
Thanks for the responses!
@@ic8466 That’s fantastic, water is definitely the key!
@@setthegooseloose No worries, hopefully it helps!
George wrapped the full 8ft trunk of my tree fern last night as there was to be frost .No more frosty weather for the week, should I remove fleece again just thinking about watering and over all health of the plant.It's layered with white geo textile non woven fleece which is much thicker than normal fleece.
Hi Paul, I wouldn’t worry about wrapping the whole plant when it’s frosty. I’d personally stick to leaves / fleece in the crown while it’s frosty, fleece the top foot while there’s subzero temps then only fully wrap it during extended freezes.
@@GeorgesJungleGarden Thanks George I wouldn't want to lose it. 👍
Hi George, our tree fern was looking amazing until the cold and snow but now it looks very sorry for itself. All the fronds are browned from start to finish, most have bent and some have snapped off. Is this normal in such a short space of time? We did protect with fleece and straw. Liz n Guy
Hi, is it a new fern you picked up this year? If so, the fronds might have developed in a different environment and not be tough enough for the winter weather but the plant itself should be fine. It’s always a bit of a gamble how the fronds look after wintry weather, what low temperatures have you got down to over the last week or so?
Hi George, thanks for your very informative videos.
We have just purchased a 1m trunk and as it is now late November what do you think would be the best thing to do - plant it straight into the garden ( protecting as you’ve described) or pot it up and place in the Greenhouse ( if the forecast is freezing) over winter & then plant out in Spring?
Hi Julie, thank you very much and congratulations on your new garden addition! I’d pot it up for this winter and keep the greenhouse option there if it freezes. That way you’ll have that bit of reassurance there if this winter does get cold and it’ll have a good while to settle in before next winter.
Thank you George for your reply - hubby is tucking it in a pot as I’m typing 😊
Max is so cute 😍 is it possible to buy a very small tree fern indoors, and move it outdoors once it's too big for the home? Or do they not fair well indoors all year round?
Haha thanks. It’s possible but they won’t enjoy the low humidity in most homes unfortunately. Plus they soon start to send large fronds out. Not impossible but probably not the best start for a plant you’re then going to plant into your garden. There are some smaller varieties like Blechnums but I’m not sure how they’ll handle the low humidity either unfortunately!
@@GeorgesJungleGarden thanks George, I'll wait until I get my garden 😊
@@missdimples1982 No worries, that’s what I’d do ☺️
Do you wrap Max up for winter?
😂 He gets wrapped up for everything but summer, he wouldn’t go outside otherwise!
Can I get advice I have two tree ferns which have been fetch into the garage for winter Iv wrapped them up am new to this as this was my partners baby the garden. But he’s no longer around Do I need to wrap the roots and do I still water them. ?
Hi, happy to help - are they in pots presumably?
do I need to water the crown in winter or only the trunk
Hi Craig, in winter I tend to just focus on the trunk. I only really avoid watering the crown when it’s likely to freeze but it rains enough anyway to give the crowns a good soaking. I wouldn’t say it matters too much and I’d rather water the crown than have the plants go dry.
@@GeorgesJungleGarden
Thanks for the answer , I've just had a 5 foot fern and wanted to find as much as possible about them , great videos on jungle look plants inspired me to do the same in a corner of My yard
@@craigholdcroft1030 Nice one Craig and thanks. While it’s warm they’ll appreciate a good spraying down most days it doesn’t rain 👍
Hi , what can i do to « open » this crown ? If you wan’t pictures to see The probleme i can send you them in instagram 😉
Hi, usually more watering is key. Not cutting fronds off prematurely certainly helps but if your crown is narrowing quite severely and the fronds are too small it’s usually due to a lack of water or the fern drying out too often.
@@GeorgesJungleGarden i was thinking to put a circle object in the midle to force the frond to hang in the side
@@valougame3175 I suppose the ball of fleece would do that to an extent? I genuinely think leaving the fronds on and more watering will produce a healthier plant with a bigger crown though, the more suitable the environment the bigger it should grow 😃
Very informative video, as I have just started getting into the jungle style gardening, one question I have do you recommend tying the fonds up when wrapping up for winter or let them do their thing.?. Looking forward to more videos.
Hi and thanks. Personally I let them do their thing, I suppose you could protect them if there was a spell of deeper cold but my priority is the protection of the plant itself and I think it does the plant could to have the older fronds hanging down all winter.