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Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
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big fern tree

If you’re searching for the perfect big fern tree to create a lush, tropical retreat in your New Zealand garden, you’ve come to the right place. Big fern trees are renowned for their striking, arching fronds and elegant trunks, making them stunning centrepieces for both shaded gardens and larger landscape projects. Whether you want iconic native species or hardy exotic varieties, there’s a big fern tree to suit your needs. On this page, we’ll break down the essential options, their care, and planting tips to help you transform your outdoor space into an evergreen sanctuary.

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.

Buy Podocarpus gracilior (African Fern Pine)

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

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 scarlet berries, and colourful autumn foliage. It makes an outstanding feature tree for New Zealand gardens, attracting birds while providing year round seasonal interest.

Buy Sorbus aucuparia 'Scarlet King'

From $387.55

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Trees

Height: 7.00 m

Spread: 5.00 m

Flowering time: Spring

Tolerances: Hardy

Garden uses: Parks, Specimen

Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern

What is a Big Fern Tree?

A big fern tree refers to those majestic ferns that develop a tall, slender trunk with a spreading crown of lush fronds. These ancient plants bring a primeval beauty to gardens and provide an instant forest-like atmosphere. Notably, many big fern tree varieties thrive in New Zealand’s mild, moist climate, making them easy options for adding vertical greenery and shade to your landscape.

Top Choices for Big Fern Trees

Several ferns qualify as big fern trees, each with unique characteristics that can suit different gardens and design preferences. Here are some of the most popular options available:

Cyathea cooperi (Australian Tree Fern)

Well-known for its rapid growth and resilience, Cyathea cooperi (Australian Tree Fern) is a top pick among garden enthusiasts. Its soft, cascading fronds are light green and can grow up to 4–6 metres tall in the right conditions, offering impressive coverage for larger areas.

Cyathea cunninghamii (Slender Tree Fern)

For those wanting a classic, elegant silhouette, Cyathea cunninghamii (Slender Tree Fern) stands out with its slender trunk and delicate, fine-textured fronds. It’s perfect for creating layered planting under established trees or as a striking standalone feature.

Cyathea medullaris (Black Tree Fern)

A true New Zealand native, Cyathea medullaris (Black Tree Fern) is favoured for its dramatic black trunk and bold, glossy foliage. Capable of reaching up to 20 metres in ideal conditions, it’s the ultimate big fern tree for large gardens and landscape statements.

Podocarpus gracilior (African Fern Pine)

While not a true fern, Podocarpus gracilior (African Fern Pine) shares a similar feathery look and is commonly used in garden projects that call for a stately, fern-like tree. Its graceful foliage makes it a versatile alternative for drier, sunnier sites.

Blechnum fraseri (Miniature Tree Fern)

If you love the look of big fern trees but have limited space, Blechnum fraseri (Miniature Tree Fern) offers the classic fern tree form on a smaller scale. It’s ideal for urban courtyards or as understorey planting beneath taller specimens.

Tips for Growing Big Fern Trees

Most big fern trees prefer dappled shade and consistently moist, well-draining soils rich in organic matter. They thrive with regular mulching to help retain moisture and protect their shallow root systems. Shelter from strong winds is helpful, as their long fronds can be easily damaged. When planting, allow enough space for your chosen species to reach its mature height and spread.

Whether you’re greening up a shaded area or designing a bold focal point, the right big fern tree will add timeless elegance and enduring structure to your garden. Explore our full fern collection to discover the beauty these architectural plants can bring to your 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.

big fern tree

Podocarpus gracilior (African Fern Pine)

Sorbus aucuparia 'Scarlet King'

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What is a Big Fern Tree?