How to Grow King Fern

A true King of a plant, the King Fern (Angiopteris evecta) is a giant in the rainforest garden. With its large fronds and big presence, be sure to have plenty of space in the garden to allow this prehistoric fern to thrive!

Half shade to filtered sun, protected from strong winds

Regular watering

Can tolerate all soil types

All year, best suited to temperate and tropical climates

How to grow king fern in a garden

Step 1

Choose a place in the garden that gets half shade or filtered sun with protection from strong winds. Prepare the planting area well by digging in Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser.

Step 2

Dig the planting hole twice as wide and to the same depth as the root-ball. Remove the shrub from the container, gently tease the roots and cut away any circled or tangled roots.

Step 3

Position in hole and backfill, gently firming down. Form a raised or doughnut shaped ring of soil around the outer edge of the plant's root zone. This helps keep water where it's needed. Always water in well after planting to settle the soil around the roots and keep the soil moist for several weeks while the new plant establishes.

Step 4

Mulch with an organic mulch, such as bark chips, sugar cane or pea straw ensuring to keep it away from the trunk.

Step 5

Feed lightly in autumn and spring with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser to ensure strong root development.

Growing tips

A true rainforest fern, this plant requires plenty of water to be happy and loves a nice warm sheltered position in the garden.
Before planting, ensure that the area is well suited to this large fern. The fronds can reach up to 8 metres and the trunk a massive 3 metres in height!