Dicksonia in nearly total shade?

Hi everyone, this is my first post. Just a question about my new tree fern, it's a 4' D.antarctica. I've put it on the north side of some 10' tall conifers, it's not a dark place but it only gets direct sunlight in the height of summer. Do you think this is enough light or should I consider moving it?

I'd appreciate any advice, thanks,
Sean

 

I dont have a dicksonia sean so I can only have a guess really, I know they dont like hot sun but the north side of the conifers could be a very cold place in the winter, plus it could be very dry, (bearing in mind the conifers grab all the soil moisture) in summer.
What I guess you need is sun in winter and shade in summer, deciduous trees would be best or ideal if possible.
But than few of us have the ideal, and compomises are often the best we can do.

 

Hi Pete, thanks for the reply. I'm not sure the soil being dry will be a problem because I think the trunk is watered at the crown. I think dicksonias roots in the ground are just for anchoring it but I could be wrong. I hadn't thought of it being a cold place in winter, that's given me something else to think about, good call!

 

Hi Sean. What you have to remember is that these Dicksonia grow on the sides of mountains in Australia and New Zealand so they can take temperatures down to minus 10f. they can grow in sun but prefer light shade. As far as watering and feeding is concerned this is done through the crown of the plant and also the trunk, which is part of the root system. In the winter protect the crown ( the area where the fronds come from )with some straw to preventt frost from killing off the young croziers. David.

 

I find it confusing David as to why you need to protect the crown of a plant that is capable of surviving minus 10F.
Its not a temperature that much of the UK see very often.
I'm a bit sceptical as to how hardy these tree ferns really are, but I do know they are expensive, and not something to risk lightly.
One bad winter and I think most will not survive, a bit like all those palms the garden centres are selling, but I must admit it is a challenge.

 

Hi, I've got 3 Dicksonias they prefer shade more to full sun. I just put straw in the crown every winter and I've had mine for quite a few yrs. If you get a very cold winter the fronds will turn brown so you just cut them off in spring and you'l soon get some new fresh green ones. other wise there evergreen. Summer just keep the trunk and crown watered with a hose on very dry hot days.

 

Thanks everyone, much appreciated.

 

Pete, you put straw in the crown to prevent frost damage to the developing croziers (fronds) not the plant itself. David.

 

Yeah, OK David

 

I'm probably speaking out of turn here, TO, Dicksonias prefer shade to sun?

I think I've completely lost the plot here.