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baby tree fern

Discover the delight of the baby tree fern, a popular choice for New Zealand gardeners seeking lush, rainforest-inspired beauty in both small and large gardens. Baby tree ferns are highly sought-after for their vibrant green fronds, delicate appearance, and ability to bring a sense of ancient nature into contemporary landscapes. Whether you’re looking to establish a fernery, enhance your shady borders, or add unique textures to your plant collection, a baby tree fern promises both beauty and low-maintenance care.

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. This fern adds a soft, tropical feel to any space and is low-maintenance, making it a favourite for both indoor and outdoor use.

From $26.15

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
robinia-frisia-1

Robinia Frisia

Robinia Frisia, commonly known as the Golden Robinia, features fern-like foliage that emerges light yellow-green in spring, ages to become green-yellow, then turns bright yellow in autumn before falling. Clusters of fragrant, white flowers are borne from late spring through summer and add extra interest to this tree. It will reach 12 m tall and 6 m wide. Robinia Frisia is commonly grown as a specimen, used in avenue plantings, planted to border an entrance, or grown to provide summer shade.

From $387.55

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 12.00 m
Spread: 6.00 m
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Garden uses: Avenues, Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Japanese, Modern
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Podocarpus Maki (Fern Pine)

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Phlebodium aureum Blue Star (Blue Star Fern)

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Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King (Rowan Tree NZ)

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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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Peperomia Jade

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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...

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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...

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Eucalyptus Baby Blue (Silver Gum)

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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...

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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...

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Sophora prostrata 'Little Baby' small plant in a pot.
Sophora 'Little Baby'

Sophora 'Little Baby' is a delightful dwarf kōwhai variety that produces masses of golden yellow flowers in spring. With its compact size and dense...

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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...

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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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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...

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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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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...

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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...

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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...

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A large Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa tree).
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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
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 - General Garden Fertiliser, Ground Fern, and Indoor Plants.

Search baby tree fern

Why Choose a Baby Tree Fern?

Baby tree ferns are prized for their charming feather-like foliage that unfurls gracefully as they mature. The young ferns are perfect for starting your own tree fern collection or for planting in containers, shaded garden beds, or damp woodland settings. Native and exotic varieties thrive throughout New Zealand, adapting well to moist, shaded areas with humus-rich soil. Their compact size as juveniles makes them easy to handle and establishing them early means you’ll soon enjoy the iconic, arching fronds that mature ferns are known for.

Ideal Growing Conditions for Baby Tree Ferns

To help your baby tree fern flourish, plant it in a sheltered spot away from harsh winds and direct afternoon sun. Consistently moist but free-draining soil is essential, as is rich organic matter to mimic their native forest environments. Mulch regularly to retain moisture and suppress weeds, and water during dry spells, focusing on the crown of the fern. With time and proper care, your baby tree fern will produce the distinctive trunk that tree ferns are famous for, becoming a dramatic feature in your garden.

Complement Your Fern Collection

Expand the diversity of your shade garden with a range of ferns and fern-like plants. For unique New Zealand natives, consider Asplenium bulbiferum (Hen And Chicken Fern), celebrated for its lush, arching fronds and ability to produce miniature plantlets. The Blechnum fraseri (Miniature Tree Fern) delivers a compact tree fern look for smaller spaces, while the elegant Cyathea cunninghamii (Slender Tree Fern) is ideal for shady borders needing architectural interest.

Looking beyond ferns, the Podocarpus gracilior (African Fern Pine) offers finely textured foliage and is a fantastic companion tree in mixed plantings. For those seeking a classic tree fern, the fast-growing Cyathea cooperi (Australian Tree Fern) is an excellent choice, adding dramatic height and a tropical feel.

Caring for Your Baby Tree Fern

In the early stages, baby tree ferns benefit from consistent watering, protection from frost, and organic mulch. Avoid damaging the delicate fern crown, as this is the growing point. Over time, your patience will be rewarded with vigorous, lush growth and an enchanting focal point for your garden. Baby tree ferns are not only a joy to grow but also contribute to biodiversity and support shaded, moist habitats for native wildlife.

Ready to add a touch of prehistoric charm to your garden? Begin your journey with a baby tree fern and explore the possibilities for dramatic, sustainable plantings in your New Zealand landscape.

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.
There’s more to explore beyond Agapanthus 'Gayles Lilac' and Chamaemelum nobile (Chamomile) — like the subtle beauty of Pieris japonica 'Purity', Blueberry 'Tifblue', and Coprosma 'Poor Knights' (Taupata).
–The Plant Company

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