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baby fern tree

A baby fern tree brings a lush, graceful touch to any New Zealand garden or indoor space. With their soft, unfurling fronds and delicate appearance, young tree ferns are increasingly sought after as statement plants for shaded garden corners, pots, or as unique houseplants. Whether you’re looking for native foliage to create a rainforest vibe or searching for resilient structural plants for tricky, shady spots, a baby fern tree offers beauty and versatility—perfect for both beginners and seasoned plant lovers.

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

Asplenium bulbiferum (Hen And Chicken Fern)

5 from 3 customers

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 ability to produce baby ferns (plantlets) along the leaf edges. Ideal for shaded gardens, underplanting, or pots, it thrives in moist, well-drained soil with protection from direct sun and wind.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Ferns
Height: 30 cm
Spread: 30 cm
Tolerances: Shade
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Parks, Paths & Steps, Ponds, Pool areas, Specimen
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native, Tropical
podocarpus-gracilior-

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.

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
Melia azedarach tree.
Melia azedarach (Bead Tree)

Melia azedarach (Bead Tree, White Cedar) is a graceful deciduous tree valued for its attractive fern like foliage, fragrant clusters of lilac...

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Sorbus aucuparia 'Scarlet King'

Sorbus aucuparia 'Scarlet King' is a handsome deciduous tree valued for its attractive fern like foliage, creamy white spring flowers, brilliant...

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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...

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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
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Podocarpus macrophyllus 'Maki' (Fern Pine)

Podocarpus macrophyllus 'Maki' (Fern Pine) is a compact, upright evergreen conifer prized for its dense, dark green foliage and naturally tidy growth...

From$192.51
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Teucrium Platinum Baby

Teucrium 'Platinum Baby' is a compact evergreen shrub admired for its striking silvery variegated foliage and naturally dense, rounded habit. Its...

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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
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...

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Ulmus 'Lobel' (Dutch Elm Tree)

Ulmus 'Lobel' is a refined deciduous elm valued for its narrow upright form, dense green foliage, and excellent suitability as an avenue or specimen...

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Tabebuia rosea tree with masses of pink flowers.
Tabebuia rosea (Pink Poui)

Tabebuia rosea is a spectacular flowering tree admired for its masses of soft pink trumpet shaped blooms that appear before the foliage in spring...

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PB28 Planter Bags (Christmas Tree Bag)

PB28 Planter Bags are a durable and economical option for growing large trees, shrubs, fruit plants, natives, and other mature nursery stock. Their...

From$130.50
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Hemerocallis 'Lullaby Baby'

Hemerocallis 'Lullaby Baby' is a delightful compact daylily that produces masses of colourful blooms through summer, adding reliable beauty to New...

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PB60 Planter Bags (Bag For Xmas Tree)

PB60 Planter Bags are a strong and practical option for growing large trees, shrubs, fruit plants, natives, and advanced nursery stock. Their...

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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...

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Eucalyptus 'Baby Blue' (Silver Gum)

Eucalyptus 'Baby Blue' is a highly popular evergreen tree admired for its stunning silver blue foliage and strong ornamental appeal. The rounded...

From$408.85
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Tree Guards

Tree Guards provide a simple and effective way to protect young trees from animals, wind, accidental damage, and herbicide spray. They create a...

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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...

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Jute Tree Tie

Jute Tree Tie is a natural and flexible option for securing young trees to stakes while they establish. The soft material helps reduce rubbing and...

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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
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Cloth Tree Tie

Cloth Tree Ties are a soft, flexible solution for securely supporting young trees and plants while they establish. Made from durable cloth material...

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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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Cyathea cooperi tree fern.
Cyathea cooperi (Australian Tree Fern)

Cyathea cooperi, commonly known as the Australian Tree Fern, produces a tall and slender, brown trunk and can grow up to 15 m tall with a spread of 8...

OUT OF STOCK
Blechnum fraseri fern with lush, green fronds.
Blechnum fraseri (Miniature Tree Fern)

Blechnum fraseri is a distinctive NZ native fern admired for its upright, leathery fronds and strong architectural form. This hardy species thrives...

OUT OF STOCK
Cyathea cunninghamii tree ferns.
Cyathea cunninghamii (Slender Tree Fern)

Cyathea cunninghamii, commonly known as the Gully Tree Fern, produces a tall and slender, brown trunk and can grow up to 15 m tall with a spread of 6...

OUT OF STOCK
platycerium-bifurcatum-netherlands-
Platycerium bifurcatum Netherlands (Elkhorn Fern)

Platycerium bifurcatum 'Netherlands' is a striking ornamental fern admired for its dramatic antler shaped fronds and unique architectural form...

OUT OF STOCK
Adiantum hispidulum (Rough Maidenhair Fern) with slender, green fronds.
Adiantum hispidulum (Rough Maidenhair Fern)

Adiantum hispidulum, commonly known as the Rough Maidenhair Fern or Rosy Maidenhair Fern, is a NZ native that features short and showy fronds. Young...

OUT OF STOCK
A Cyathea smithii tree fern in a native reserve.
Cyathea smithii (Ponga Fern)

Cyathea smithii, commonly known as Ponga Tree or Soft Tree Fern, is a beautiful New Zealand native fern admired for its graceful fronds and soft...

OUT OF STOCK
Blechnum 'Silver Lady' elegant lime-green fronds.
Blechnum 'Silver Lady' (Dwarf Tree Fern)

Blechnum 'Silver Lady' is a graceful, compact fern admired for its soft arching fronds and vibrant green colouring. This refined fern brings elegance...

OUT OF STOCK
Asplenium obtusatum ferns in a shade garden and featuring lush, green fronds.
Asplenium obtusatum (Spleenwort Fern)

Asplenium obtusatum is a robust NZ native fern admired for its thick leathery fronds and compact upright habit. Well suited to coastal and forest...

OUT OF STOCK
Athyrium niponicum fern.
Athyrium niponicum (Painted Fern)

Athyrium niponicum, commonly known as the Japanese Painted Fern, is a stunning deciduous fern prized for its delicate silver grey fronds highlighted...

OUT OF STOCK
Asplenium bulbiferum (Hen And Chicken Fern)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Albizia, Asplenium, and Dacrydium, or related Categories - Ground Fern, Evergreen Shrubs, and Deciduous Trees.

Search baby fern tree

What Is a Baby Fern Tree?

A baby fern tree refers to the young or juvenile stage of a tree fern species. Tree ferns are a stunning group of ancient plants renowned for their elegant fronds and impressive height over time. At the baby stage, these ferns display soft new growth, compact fronds, and a manageable size. Popular as specimen plants, they can gradually grow into majestic features in the landscape. New Zealand gardens frequently feature baby fern trees as understorey plants, where they thrive in moist, sheltered sites with dappled sunlight.

Popular Baby Fern Tree Varieties for New Zealand Gardens

Several tree ferns suit New Zealand’s climate and gardening style, each with its own distinctive character:

How to Care for a Baby Fern Tree

Caring for your baby fern tree is straightforward with the right conditions:

As your baby fern tree matures, its trunk will become more pronounced, and the canopy will broaden—transforming your landscape and providing habitat for beneficial insects and birds.

Uses for Baby Fern Trees

These versatile ferns shine in native plantings, subtropical designs, or shaded courtyards. Use them as an understorey layer amongst taller trees, to line pathways, as striking potted patio plants, or for softening garden walls. Their cooling, leafy arches also create a tranquil, restorative atmosphere, making them a popular choice for Zen and woodland gardens.

From the delicate fronds of a Blechnum fraseri (Miniature Tree Fern) to the lush, classic look of a Cyathea cooperi (Australian Tree Fern), there’s a baby fern tree for every space—ready to bring a touch of natural elegance to your home or garden.


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