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ponga tree fern

The ponga tree fern is an iconic feature of New Zealand’s lush native bush, adding timeless elegance and natural beauty to gardens and landscapes across the country. Renowned for its striking fronds and sculptural trunks, the ponga tree fern (also known as Cyathea smithii or silver tree fern) is valued not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its ecological importance. Whether you’re planning a rainforest garden, adding a touch of the wild to your section, or seeking a shade-giving plant for a sheltered courtyard, the ponga tree fern is a beloved choice for seasoned gardeners and novices alike.

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Podocarpus gracilior (African Fern Pine)

Podocarpus gracilior (Fern Pine) is an elegant evergreen tree valued for its fine textured foliage, graceful form, and versatility in the landscape. Despite its common name, it is not a true pine but offers a similar evergreen presence with a softer and more refined appearance. This attractive tree is ideal for screening, avenues, specimen planting, and large gardens. Well suited to New Zealand conditions, Podocarpus gracilior (Fern Pine) provides year round structure, beauty, and long lasting landscape value.

From $270.40

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 20.00 m
Spread: 10.00 m
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Hedging, Parks, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Coastal, Formal, Mediterranean
podocarpus-macrophyllus-maki-1

Podocarpus Maki (Fern Pine)

Podocarpus macrophyllus Maki, commonly known as Shrubby Yew Tree, Chinese Podocarpus, or Shrubby Podocarpus, produces dense, dark green leaves, with new foliage emerging lime green. It grows slowly with a columnar shape to about 3 m tall and 2 m wide, and can be trimmed as necessary. Podocarpus Maki is commonly included in a mixed planting, trimmed into a hedge, maintained in a container, used for topiary and bonsai, included in pool and Japanese gardens, or planted to border an entrance.

From $192.51

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 3.00 m
Spread: 2.00 m
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Containers, Hedging, Living areas, Patios, Pool areas, Screening, Topiary
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern
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Robinia Frisia

Robinia Frisia, commonly known as the Golden Robinia, features fern-like foliage that emerges light yellow-green in spring, ages to become...

From$387.55
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Tree Fertiliser (Tree Fertiliser)

Using tree fertiliser results in plants having better quality foliage, more profuse flowering, stronger stems, and a much healthier and brighter...

From$13.40
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Phlebodium aureum Blue Star (Blue Star Fern)

The Blue Star Fern features wavy leaves that are a blue-green colour. This popular indoor plant grows as a clump to about 30 cm tall and the same...

From$38.57
Large Jacaranda mimosifolia tree with blue flowers.
Jacaranda mimosifolia (Blue Jacaranda)

Jacaranda mimosifolia, commonly known as the Blue Jacaranda tree, is a tropical-looking tree that is widely planted because of its beautiful and...

From$323.65
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Palm Tree Fertiliser (Palm Tree Fertiliser)

Choosing the correct Palm tree fertiliser is essential for producing better quality foliage, stronger fronds, and a much healthier and brighter...

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Albizia julibrissin 'Rosea' pink flowers and lush, green foliage.
Albizia julibrissin 'Rosea'

Albizia julibrissin 'Rosea' (Silk Tree) is a stunning deciduous tree valued for its graceful spreading canopy, fern like foliage, and masses of...

From$344.95
An Asplenium bulbiferum (Hen and Chicken Fern) growing in a shaded postion and displaying lush, green fronds.
Asplenium bulbiferum (Hen And Chicken Fern)

Asplenium bulbiferum, commonly known as the Hen and Chicken Fern or Pikopiko Fern, is a popular NZ native prized for its lush, arching fronds and...

From$26.15
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Fruit Tree Fertiliser (Fruit Tree Fertiliser)

Fruiting plants respond well to fruit tree fertiliser with better quality produce, higher yields, and a much healthier and brighter looking plant...

From$13.40
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Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King (Rowan Tree NZ)

Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King is a variety of the commonly known, Mountain Ash, and is a small-sized, deciduous with impressive characteristics...

From$387.55
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Acer platanoides Princeton Gold (Princeton Gold Maple Tree)

Acer platanoides Princeton Gold is a variety of the commonly known, Plane-Leaved Maple, and is a medium sized tree with fantastic foliage. The leaves...

From$189.95
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Tree Guards (Tree Guards)

Our tree guards and plant shelters are bio-degradable products that are perfect for using in riparian areas and other exposed positions. They are...

From$5.00
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Cedrela sinensis 'Flamingo' (Toon Tree)

Cedrela sinensis 'Flamingo' (Toon Tree) is a spectacular deciduous tree prized for its striking flushes of vibrant pink foliage that mature through...

From$28.91
Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu) tree juvenile foliage.
Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu Tree)

Dacrydium cupressinum, commonly known as Rimu or Red Pine, is an iconic and slow-growing tree. The juvenile form features drooping branches densely...

From$99.29
Melia azedarach tree.
Melia azedarach (Bead Tree)

Melia azedarach, commonly known as Bead Tree, White Cedar or Persian Lilac, is a fast-growing deciduous tree admired for its feathery foliage and...

From$387.55
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Jute Tree Tie

The Jute Tree Tie is non-abrasive and very popular because it wont cause tree damage. The 50 mm wide fabric is heavy duty and designed to support...

From$64.67
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Cloth Tree Tie

These soft ties are used for trees, tomatoes, and other plants you wish to keep securely fastened without causing any damage to the plant. Each roll...

From$9.28
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Magnolia liliiflora Nigra (Magnolia Tree Nigra)

Magnolia liliiflora Nigra, commonly known as Black Lily, is a stunning tree that bears masses of large and showy, purple flowers from late winter...

From$270.40
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Magnolia Margaret Helen (Magnolia Tree Margaret Helen)

Magnolia Margaret Helen is a deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, rose-pink flowers through late winter and early spring. These are...

From$387.55
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Ulmus Lobel (Dutch Elm Tree)

Ulmus Lobel is a variety of Dutch Elm tree grown for its colourful foliage and narrow form. The leaves emerge a fresh green colour in spring, age to...

From$557.95
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Magnolia Deryk (Magnolia Tree Deryk)

Magnolia Deryk is a deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, dark red-purple flowers from late winter until early spring. The flowers are...

From$387.55
Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' trees with yellow foliage in autumn.
Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' (Tulip Tree)

Liriodendron tulipifera fastigiata, also known as the Upright Tulip Tree, is a stunning deciduous tree admired for its narrow, columnar form. It...

From$515.35
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Pear Doyenne du Comice (Comice Pear Tree)

The Comice pear tree (Pyrus communis Doyenne du Comice) is regarded as having the best flavour of all the pear varieties. It bears green skinned...

From$340.69
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Magnolia Strawberry Fields (Strawberry Fields Magnolia Tree)

Magnolia Strawberry Fields is a stunning deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, semi-double, deep red flowers through late winter and...

From$515.35
A large Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa tree).
Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa Tree)

Beilschmiedia tawa, commonly known as the Tawa Tree, is a tall and graceful evergreen native to New Zealand. It is admired for its straight trunk...

From$313.00
Podocarpus gracilior (African Fern Pine)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acer, Albizia, Asplenium, Beilschmiedia, Cedrela, Dacrydium, Jacaranda, Liriodendron, Magnolia, Melia, Pear, Phlebodium, Podocarpus, Robinia Sorbus and Ulmus, or related Categories - Tree ties, General Garden Fertiliser, Palm Tree Fertiliser, Plant Guards, Ground Fern, Pear Trees, Indoor Plants, Deciduous Shrubs, Evergreen Shrubs, Deciduous Trees, Evergreen Trees Magnolia Trees and Maple Tree.

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What is the Ponga Tree Fern?

The ponga tree fern, scientifically known as Cyathea smithii, is native to New Zealand and widely recognised for the silvery underside of its fronds, which capture and reflect light beautifully in shaded or woodland gardens. Typically growing to heights of 3-6 metres, the ponga tree fern creates an instant canopy effect, lending an authentic Kiwi forest atmosphere to any space. You’ll find its tall, fibrous trunks and graceful green crowns featured in gardens, parks, and reserves throughout Aotearoa.

How to Grow and Care for the Ponga Tree Fern

If you’re keen to introduce the ponga tree fern to your garden, select a sheltered site with dappled light and consistently moist, well-draining soil. These ferns thrive in the humid understorey conditions found in their native forests—so mulching around the base and regular watering, especially in dry spells, will keep your ponga healthy. Removing old, damaged fronds at the base keeps the plant tidy and encourages new growth. Avoid harsh afternoon sun or exposed, windy spots, as the delicate fronds can suffer from scorching and wind damage.

Landscaping with Ponga Tree Ferns

Whether used as a standalone feature or as part of a layered fern collection, the ponga tree fern makes a dramatic statement. Planted in groups or pairs, they create instant shade, habitat for birds, and a lush, tropical look beneath taller trees. The fibrous trunk can also be used to define pathways or soften hard landscaping elements. Pair your ponga with NZ natives such as groundcover ferns and shade-tolerant shrubs for a seamless woodland effect.

For more fern inspiration, consider complementing your ponga tree fern with other unique species such as Asplenium obtusatum (Spleenwort Fern) for low-growing textures or the Australian cousin Cyathea cooperi (Australian Tree Fern) for a taller, fast-growing canopy. For contrasting, fern-like foliage with a piney twist, explore Podocarpus gracilior (African Fern Pine) or the compact Podocarpus Maki (Fern Pine).

Shop for Ponga Tree Ferns

If you’re ready to bring a touch of the New Zealand bush to your landscape, browse our range of true native ferns. Our expertly grown Cyathea smithii (Ponga Fern) is available to order for adaptable, easy additions to your garden. Enrich your space with a ponga tree fern and enjoy year-round green foliage that evokes the essence of Aotearoa’s forests right outside your door.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

Illustration of plant leaves.
Gardeners love Chamaemelum nobile (Chamomile) and Arthropodium cirratum (Rengarenga Lily), but there’s a growing buzz around plants like Carex testacea, Geum 'Can Can', and Azalea japonica 'Vuyk's Scarlet'.
–The Plant Company

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