Japanese fern trees have become an increasingly popular choice for yards and gardens over the past few years. Their graceful, fern-like foliage and naturally rounded shape make them an attractive addition to any outdoor space. If you’re considering purchasing a Japanese fern tree, there are a few things to keep in mind as you shop around for the perfect specimen.
An Overview of the Japanese Fern Tree
While commonly known as a Japanese fern tree, this plant is actually native to tropical northern Australia and New Guinea. Its scientific name is Filicium decipiens. The Japanese fern tree features long, thin leaves that sprout out from woody stems, giving it a lush, fern-like appearance. However, it is not actually related to ferns at all. It’s a member of the Calophyllaceae family.
Despite its misleading common name, the Japanese fern tree offers some compelling benefits for yards and gardens:
- Graceful, cascading foliage provides elegant visual appeal
- Dense growth habit creates cooling shade
- Requires minimal trimming and maintenance
- Tolerates a variety of soil types and growing conditions
- Taproot system provides durability and drought resistance
Typically growing to heights between 15-30 feet tall and 12-25 feet wide when mature, the Japanese fern tree remains relatively compact compared to many other shade trees. It can thrive when planted directly in the landscape or kept containerized for patio use.
What to Look for When Buying a Japanese Fern Tree
When shopping for a Japanese fern tree keep an eye out for
Healthy foliage: Look for uniformly green, undamaged leaves. Avoid specimens with brown, yellowing, or wilted foliage.
Sturdy trunk Select a tree with a straight relatively smooth trunk without significant defects or wounds.
Well-established root system: For container-grown trees, check that the roots thoroughly permeate the soil media. This indicates a vigorous, healthy root system.
Appropriate size for intended use: Consider the tree’s current size and projected mature height/canopy width to ensure it fits your available planting space.
Healthy recent growth: Seek out trees that show signs of fresh, young leaf growth, which indicates the plant is actively growing.
Soil condition: Make sure the soil media is moist but well-drained. Overly dry or saturated soil can cause root problems.
When purchasing from a reputable nursery, staff should be able to answer questions about care, estimated growth rate, and ideal growing conditions for their Japanese fern tree stock. Always inspect plants thoroughly before purchasing.
Where to Buy Japanese Fern Trees
Japanese fern trees are sold at many garden centers and plant nurseries, especially in tropical or subtropical climates. When buying locally, visit the nursery in person so you can personally select the specific tree you want.
You can also purchase Japanese fern trees online through specialty nursery websites that ship live plants. Buying online provides access to a wider variety of sizes, ages, and cultivars. However, you can’t see the actual plant before purchase, so be sure to order from a company with robust quality controls and healthy shipping practices.
Reputable online sellers of Japanese fern trees include:
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Eureka Farms – Offers small to large Japanese fern trees shipped bareroot or in pots. Provides a satisfaction guarantee.
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Emerald Island Garden Center – Sells 3 gallon to 25 gallon sizes. Local pickup available in Florida.
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South Florida Plant Guide – Provides detailed care guides and landscape recommendations for Japanese fern trees and other plants. Does not sell directly but lists reputable nurseries.
Check seller reviews and reach out with questions before ordering online to find a company you feel comfortable buying from.
Key Tips for Planting and Caring for Japanese Fern Trees
To help your new Japanese fern tree thrive:
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Plant in full sun to partial shade in zones 10-11. Provide some afternoon shade in hot climates.
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Amend the soil with compost, cow manure, or other organic material when planting.
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Water 1-2 times per week while establishing. Mature trees tolerate drought but prefer regular water.
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Apply a slow-release granular fertilizer 3 times per year. Avoid over-fertilization.
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Prune only to remove lower branches and shape as needed. Avoid excessive shearing.
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Watch for pests like scales, mealybugs, and mites. Apply horticultural oils or neem oil if issues arise.
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Mulch around the tree with 2-3 inches of wood chips or bark to conserve moisture and discourage weeds.
With its graceful form and cascading foliage, the Japanese fern tree adds a refined tropical feel to yards and patios in warm climates. By selecting a healthy specimen and providing attentive care, you can enjoy the beauty and shade from this eye-catching tree for years to come.
Japanese Fern tree, grows wide. Give her lots of room. Max height 25 ft.
FAQ
How fast does a Japanese fern tree grow?
It can get 20 to 25 feet but that takes quite a while, since it’s is a slow to moderate grower. Zone 10 provides the tropical warmth this tree needs – it does especially well in warmer regions of 10A and all of 10B.
Are Japanese ferns fast growing?
How Fast Does the Japanese Painted Fern Grow? It’s a moderately fast grower.
Are Japanese fern trees messy?
Japanese fern tree is naturally messy.
Where is the best place to plant Japanese painted ferns?
This allows the ferns to establish themselves in the garden before the heat of summer. They thrive in partial to full shade, making them ideal for shaded borders, woodland gardens, or as ground cover under trees. Well-drained, rich, and consistently moist soil is crucial for their growth.
What is a Japanese fern tree?
Filicium decipiens, commonly known as the Japanese Fern Tree, is a striking and elegant ornamental tree known for its dense, rounded crown and unusual foliage. With a medium growth rate, the Japanese Fern Tree produces compound leaves and small off-white to white flowers when in season.
Is Japanese painted fern a perennial?
Grown for the patterned foliage in shades of silver, green, and burgundy, this reliable perennial is useful for lighting up darker areas. Pairing well with many other woodland shade plants, Japanese painted fern is versatile in borders, mass plantings, as edging, or in containers.
What does a Japanese fern tree look like in Florida?
Japanese fern trees in Florida look like they almost jumped out of a fairy tale. Close your eyes and imagine a large magnificent fern perched lollipop-style atop a slender trunk. That would be a Japanese fern tree. But don’t assume it’s a fern or Japanese in origin. It’s neither. Fern-like leaves resemble long fingers that push up and out.
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.