Japanese Fern Trees Overlooked in Southwest 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. Its symmetrical crown magically grows that way — naturally rounded with no need to prune except for removing lower branches as it matures.   

“Ferns on stilts”

These evergreen “ferns on stilts” can reach 20 to 25 feet tall but are not in a hurry to do so. They’ll take their time, thank you very much, but will reward you with jaw-dropping tropical elegance year round. Just make sure you don’t plant them too close to your house. Plan on at least a minimum of 10 feet so the crowns can fluff out nicely.

Japanese fern trees require minimum care, which is surprising since they look like the high-maintenance exotic type. All you have to do is plant in a well-drained area (allow to dry out between regular watering). Then fertilize in spring, summer and fall with a good granular.

This artful shade tree deserves an artful touch, so be creative in your placement. Consider installing it near a pergola, by a flowerbed, near a fountain or along your patio. Or how about choosing a nice pair to flank the entrance of your driveway? This regal specimen will add instant elegance to any spot you select.

Call ArtisTree Landscape

Ready to give your landscape a touch of tropical flair? Call ArtisTree Landscape Maintenance & Design and let’s get your renovation started. Contact Jenni Lassen at 941.488.8897 or jennil@artistree.com, and she’ll schedule you with one of our award-winning designers. ArtisTree serves Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties. We also provide community-wide landscape maintenance services for homeowner associations.

ArtisTree Landscape Maintenance and Design

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