Popular tree fern used in many TV garden makeovers which want the jungle look. The lacy green fronds sprout in abundance once the weather turns warmer.Regularly exposed to temperaturs of -10c in their native SE Australia so well able to cope with our british winters.

A superb tree fern and a personal favourite. With it's thick fibrous golden brown trunk, it makes a super alternative to the ever-popular D.Antarctica. Large specimens ie 3ft trunk or more, should withstand around -8°C with protection.

Maori's used the long thin trunks to make houses and fences and also as tracks across swampland. Grows to around 25 ft and produces underground runners and sometimes a branching trunk. (the only common tree fern to do this). Grows best with a mulch of leaf mould around it's roots, no doubt to imitate it's natural home. Hardy to approx -5°c.

Very rare and should be as hardy as D.Antarctica. Fast growing when young (fast for a tree fern that is.) Tolerating full sun provided there is sufficient moisture. The common name comes from the rough surface to the leaf bases.

This is a big tree fern, second only in size to C.Medularis. Originating in the Norfolk Islands, it's golden coloured new fronds make this a real eyecatcher. Unfortunately not tender enough to plant outside, but in the conservatory, a real stunner.

National symbol of New Zealand the "Ponga" (pronounced "Punga" I am reliably informed!) has a dark brown trunk but the crowning glory are the fronds which can get to 10ft long, green on top and silver underneath. Hardier than first thought, plant in a shady place in a sheltered garden and with protection should withstand -5°c. Slow grower.

Slow growing but a potential giant which can reach 50ft in the wild. Striking jet black trunk and black stems covered in a fine hair, this is from where the bright green fronds will extend. Again like many of the other tree ferns, hardier than first thought, around -4°c with adequate protection.

Native only to New Zealand, very common in colder and wetter forests at high altitudes in the far south. Should survive -7°c with protection. The fronds are soft light green and the trunk is a very dark brown, almost black. With a final height of around 30ft, this beauty is set to become a firm favourite.