Japanese fern trees, also known as filicium decipiens, are beautiful ornamental trees perfect for any landscape. Their lush, fern-like foliage provides unique visual interest, and they are low maintenance once established. I love using Japanese fern trees in gardens to create focal points and shady spots. If you also want to add one of these gorgeous trees to your outdoor space, here is what you need to know about finding Japanese fern trees for sale.
Overview of the Japanese Fern Tree
While named the Japanese fern tree this plant is not actually a fern or from Japan. It is a flowering plant native to Papua New Guinea and parts of Queensland Australia. The common name comes from its graceful, fern-like leaves.
The leaves emerge directly from the branches in a two-ranked pattern, meaning the leaves stick out from two sides of the twig rather than all around it. This gives the tree a distinctly flattened appearance. The leaves themselves are bright green, shiny, and can reach up to 5 inches long.
In terms of size the Japanese fern tree typically matures at 25-30 feet tall and 20-25 feet wide. It has a dense, rounded canopy with beautiful symmetry—minimal trimming or training required.
Small white blossoms emerge in summer followed by tiny round berries While pretty, the flowers and fruit are not very noticeable or significant on this tree. It’s grown primarily for its lush, vibrant foliage
Hardy in USDA zones 10-11, Japanese fern trees thrive with full sun exposure and well-drained soil. They make excellent specimen trees to showcase in the landscape.
Where to Find Japanese Fern Trees for Sale
Now that you know the basics about this eye-catching ornamental tree, let’s look at some places where you can find Japanese fern trees for sale.
Online Nurseries
Ordering plants online makes shopping simple and convenient. Reputable online nurseries ship healthy, established trees straight to your door. Here are some top picks for finding Japanese fern trees for sale online:
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Eureka Farms: This tropical nursery offers Japanese fern trees in a variety of sizes, from 2-3 feet up to 7-8 feet tall. You can order them potted in 2-7 gallon containers for easy transplanting. Eureka Farms ships nationwide and guarantees satisfaction.
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Urban Tropicals: You can select Japanese fern trees here in 7×2 inch pots. Urban Tropicals gives care instructions for successfully growing this tree in various zones, indoors and outside. They have excellent customer service.
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Plant Life Farms: This wholesale nursery focuses on providing plants for landscapers, garden centers, and nurseries. But they sell Japanese fern trees online to home gardeners as well. Their experts know these trees inside and out.
When ordering from an online nursery, be sure to shop early in the growing season for the best selection. Spring and fall give you the widest availability and healthiest trees for shipping.
Local Nurseries
Beyond buying Japanese fern trees online, also check with local nurseries and garden centers in your area. The benefit of shopping locally is you can see the trees in person before purchasing. Here’s what to look for:
- Healthy green leaves without spots or discoloration
- Symmetrical shape without a lot of lopsided growth
- No excessive leaning—the tree should stand upright
- Moist soil but no waterlogged conditions
Inspect the tree thoroughly for any signs of disease, pests, or damage. Also ask the nursery staff questions to confirm the tree variety and growing conditions.
For the best selection at local nurseries, visit in early spring right after new inventory arrives. You may also find good options in fall. Call ahead to ask about availability if you’re looking for a specific size or variety.
Transplanting from Other Landscapes
In some cases, you may be able to transplant an established Japanese fern tree from someone else’s garden into your own landscape.
If you know a friend, family member, or neighbor who has one they are willing to let you dig up, this can be an affordable option. Make sure to get permission first and carefully transplant the tree during the dormant season to reduce stress.
You can also keep an eye out for Japanese fern trees at local nurseries being sold as dug-up specimens. Again, aim for transplanting during cooler weather for best results.
Caring for Your Japanese Fern Tree
Once you get your Japanese fern tree home, proper care will keep it thriving for years to come. Here are some tips:
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Plant in full sun to partial shade in well-draining soil. Amend clay soils with compost.
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Water young trees regularly until established; mature trees are quite drought tolerant.
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Apply a general purpose fertilizer in early spring. Avoid excess nitrogen.
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Prune only to remove dead or damaged branches—no regular trimming needed.
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Watch for scale insects and treat with horticultural oil if issues arise.
With the right growing conditions, Japanese fern trees are not susceptible to many pests or diseases. Be sure to acclimate new trees slowly before planting in full sun exposures.
Common Pests & Plant Diseases
The Japanese fern tree is not prone to any major debilitating pests or disease.
Propagating Japanese Fern Tree
The fern tree propagates by seed, and natural germination should work just fine. To do so, sow the seeds in the fall and give them time to get settled—they should begin to germinate by the early spring. Japanese fern trees can be propagated by seed. Here’s how:
- Soak the seeds in water at room temperature for about 24 hours prior to planting in order to soften the exterior and increase the chances of germination.
- Plant seeds in a well-draining container. Make sure not to sow the seeds too deep, or else they won’t sprout properly.
- It’s also important that the seeds don’t get planted in soaked or soggy soil; consider adding composted cow manure to the soil in order to help the seeds germinate well.
Japanese Fern tree, grows wide. Give her lots of room. Max height 25 ft.
FAQ
How fast does a Japanese fern tree grow?
This small shade tree is evergreen and prefers full to part sun. It can get 20 to 25 feet but that takes quite a while, since it’s is a slow to moderate grower.
Are Japanese fern trees messy?
I had a Japanese fern tree at my old house that is now about 20 feet tall. I let the leaves drop and left them to form natural mulch. The tree is messy, and that is natural.
Does a Japanese fern tree lose its leaves?
Clean away any leaves the tree sheds as it ages.
What is a Japanese fern tree?
Filicium Decipiens (Japanese fern) is an elegant small tree, reaching 20–25 feet in height. The common name is misleading, since the tree does not occur naturally in Japan. One of its more attractive traits, it’s the dense, rounded crown and straight trunk.
Are fern trees Japanese?
It’s neither Japanese in origin nor a fern – though the long thin leaves growing out from stems have a fern-like look. The small size – 20 or 25 feet – makes the fern tree a good choice for a small front yard for house or mobile home. Or it can be used in conjunction with other plantings, because the foliage has a unique tropical look.
Can Japanese fern trees get burned?
Japanese Fern Trees (filicium decipiens) can get burned if planted in a brightly lit area. It is best to acclimate this plant to its environment by keeping it outside and slowly moving it into a sunny area over a week or two to avoid stress before planting. All Japanese Fern Trees for sale will vary in size.
Is a fern tree a good choice?
And it’s ideal for the nit-picky homeowner who loves all things symmetrical. It’s neither Japanese in origin nor a fern – though the long thin leaves growing out from stems have a fern-like look. The small size – 20 or 25 feet – makes the fern tree a good choice for a small front yard for house or mobile home.
How should I acclimate a Japanese fern tree?
To acclimate a Japanese Fern Tree, it is best to gradually expose it to its environment by keeping it outside and moving it into a sunny area over a week or two. This process helps to minimize stress before planting. Please note that the size of Japanese Fern Trees for sale may vary, with spring trees often being smaller than those shipped in the fall.
What is a tree fern?
Tree ferns are one of the largest groups of ferns. Widely popular among fern and palm collectors, most tree ferns have distinctive growth habits and are marked by a woody or fibrous trunk topped with a crown of sprawling fronds.
What does a tree fern look like?
Widely popular among fern and palm collectors, most tree ferns have distinctive growth habits and are marked by a woody or fibrous trunk topped with a crown of sprawling fronds. Read More