Cyathea smithii

How hardy is Cyathea smithii?

Cyathea smithii (Soft Tree Fern) is one of the hardiest of the tree ferns. It can tolerate colder conditions better than most, surviving light to moderate frosts down to about -5°C once established. It naturally grows in cooler, higher-altitude forests in New Zealand, which makes it well adapted to areas with cool, damp climates. Despite its better cold tolerance, Cyathea smithii still dislikes drying winds and prefers sheltered spots with consistently moist, humus-rich soil. Extended or severe frosts can damage the fronds, but the crown is usually resilient and will regrow in spring. If you're unsure about the hardiness of Cyathea smithii in your specific location, it's best to consult with The Plant Company.

Cyathea smithii for sale

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How to grow Cyathea smithii?

To grow Cyathea smithii, you’ll need to recreate the moist, shaded, and sheltered conditions it thrives in naturally. Choose a spot protected from strong wind and intense sun — dappled light under taller trees is ideal. The soil should be rich in organic matter, well-draining, and consistently moist but not waterlogged. Before planting, enrich the soil with compost or well-rotted manure. When planting, position the fern so the crown sits just above soil level. Water deeply after planting and continue to keep the soil moist, especially during dry periods. Mulching with leaf litter or bark helps retain moisture and mimics its natural forest floor environment. In colder areas, protect young plants from frost with frost cloth or by planting in a very sheltered microclimate. Once established, Cyathea smithii is relatively low maintenance but benefits from regular watering during dry spells and occasional feeding with a diluted liquid fertilizer to encourage lush growth.

What are the landscape uses for Cyathea smithii?

Cyathea smithii (Soft Tree Fern) is valued in landscaping for creating a lush, cool, rainforest-like atmosphere, especially in gardens aiming to mimic New Zealand’s native bush. It is ideal for shaded woodland gardens, riparian plantings along streams and damp gullies, and forest restoration projects where its graceful form adds an authentic, layered canopy. Its softer, drooping fronds make it excellent for softening the edges of paths, ponds, and shaded garden beds. Cyathea smithii is also a beautiful choice for fern gardens, understory plantings beneath taller trees, and sheltered courtyards where moisture is maintained. Because of its better frost tolerance compared to other tree ferns, it is often used in cooler climates where species like Cyathea medullaris might struggle.

What are the common names for Cyathea smithii?

The common names for Cyathea smithii are Soft Tree Fern, Kiokio (a Māori name sometimes used, though more commonly for certain Blechnum species), and simply Tree Fern in general conversation. "Soft Tree Fern" is the most widely recognized name, referring to its delicate, drooping fronds compared to sturdier species like Cyathea medullaris.