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big maidenhair fern

If you’re searching for a lush, graceful plant to make a statement in shaded corners or add elegance to your indoor jungle, the big maidenhair fern is an outstanding choice. Known for its delicate, fan-shaped fronds and airy habit, a big maidenhair fern instantly brings rainforest charm to New Zealand gardens and interiors. Whether you’re creating a focal point in a container or seeking a groundcover for a shaded border, these ferns are treasured by foliage lovers for their beauty and heritage.

Colourful Ginkgo biloba 'Fastigiata' trees with yellow, autumn foliage.

Ginkgo 'Fastigiata'

Ginkgo 'Fastigiata' is a narrow, upright form of the Maidenhair Tree, ideal for smaller spaces or formal plantings. It grows to around 10 to 12 metres tall but only 3 to 4 metres wide, with fan-shaped foliage that turns brilliant yellow in autumn.

From $387.55

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 11.00 m
Spread: 3.50 m
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Parks, Ponds, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Coastal, Formal, Japanese, Modern
A Ginkgo biloba 'Little Weeper' tree in a mixed planting.

Ginkgo 'Little Weeper'

Ginkgo 'Little Weeper', commonly known as the Maidenhair Tree, is grown for its colourful foliage and weeping growth habit. This deciduous tree has distinctive, fan-shaped, rich green leaves that are held on branches that are carried with a gentle arch. The leaves turn bright yellow in autumn before falling, forming a golden carpet around the tree.

From $387.55

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 3.00 m
Spread: 2.00 m
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Parks, Ponds, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
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An Asplenium bulbiferum (Hen and Chicken Fern) growing in a shaded postion and displaying lush, green fronds.
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A colourful Ginkgo biloba specimen tree with yellow, autumn foliage.
Ginkgo biloba

Ginkgo biloba, commonly known as the Maidenhair Tree, is a deciduous tree grown for its form, foliage, and rich autumn colours. It produces...

From$387.55
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Adiantum formosum fern in a shade garden and featuring slender, green fronds.
Adiantum formosum (Giant Maidenhair Fern)

Adiantum formosum (Giant Maidenhair Fern) is a striking fern admired for its tall, elegant fronds and delicate leaf structure held on fine black...

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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...

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Adiantum aleuticum ferns growing as a cluster and featuring lush,green foliage.
Adiantum aleuticum (Five-Finger Fern)

Adiantum aleuticum, commonly known as the Western Maidenhair Fern or Five-Finger Fern, carries attractive, soft, mid-green foliage. The new fronds...

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Adiantum cunninghamii ferns with short fronds bearing small, green leaves.
Adiantum cunninghamii (New Zealand Maidenhair Fern)

Adiantum cunninghamii is a graceful NZ native maidenhair fern prized for its finely divided fronds and soft, airy appearance. With delicate leaflets...

OUT OF STOCK
Adiantum raddianum plant in a pot with elegant, green foliage.
Adiantum raddianum

Adiantum raddianum (Delta Maidenhair Fern) is a refined fern cherished for its delicate, triangular fronds and fine black stems that create a soft...

OUT OF STOCK
Adiantum venustum fern growing in a garden.
Adiantum venustum

Adiantum venustum (Himalayan Maidenhair Fern) is a graceful fern admired for its delicate, lace like fronds and fine black stems that create soft...

OUT OF STOCK
Adiantum aethiopicum (Maidenhair fern) with fine and elegant, green foliage.
Adiantum aethiopicum

Adiantum aethiopicum (Maidenhair Fern) is a graceful fern adored for its delicate, fan shaped leaflets and fine black stems. Thriving in moist...

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Asplenium 'Southern Belle' fern with lush, green fronds.
Asplenium 'Southern Belle' (Chicken Fern)

Asplenium 'Southern Belle' is an elegant fern admired for its glossy arching fronds and symmetrical rosette form. It thrives in shaded NZ gardens and...

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Davallia fejeensis fern.
Davallia fejeensis  (Rabbits Foot Fern)

Davallia fejeensis is a distinctive fern admired for its finely cut fronds and furry rhizomes that cascade beautifully over pots and ledges. Popular...

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Davallia mariesii fern with elegant, green fronds.
Davallia mariesii (Squirrels Foot Fern)

Davallia mariesii is a beautifully delicate fern recognised for its finely cut fronds and decorative furry rhizomes that drape elegantly over pots...

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Asplenium lamprophyllum small ferns growing on a bank.
Asplenium lamprophyllum

Asplenium lamprophyllum is a striking NZ native fern admired for its glossy fronds and graceful arching habit. Its fresh green colouring and layered...

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Davallia solida (Rabbit Foot Fern) plant with lush, green fronds.
Davallia solida (Rabbits Foot Fern)

Davallia solida (Rabbit Foot Fern) is a charming fern recognised for its soft, lacy fronds and furry rhizomes that creep gracefully over the soil...

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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...

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A cluster of Cyathea medullaris (Black Tree Ferns).
Cyathea medullaris (Black Tree Fern)

Cyathea medullaris, commonly known as Black Tree Fern or Mamaku, is one of New Zealand's most impressive native ferns. This majestic species is...

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A large Asplenium australasicum (Birds Nest Fern) with lush green fronds in a native garden.
Asplenium australasicum (Birds Nest Fern)

Asplenium australasicum, commonly known as the Bird's Nest Fern, is a striking tropical fern with large, upright, leathery fronds that form a broad...

OUT OF STOCK
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Doodia australis (Rasp Fern)

Doodia australis is a hardy evergreen fern admired for its fresh bronze red new fronds that mature to rich green, creating year round texture and...

OUT OF STOCK
Asplenium nidus-avis fern in a native reserve and featuring long, green fronds.
Asplenium nidus avis (Birds Nest Fern)

Asplenium nidus avis adds distinctive interest to NZ planting. Plant in humus rich free draining soil and keep it lightly moist during establishment...

OUT OF STOCK
Large Asplenium Maori Princess in an orange pot with lush, green foliage.
Asplenium 'Maori Princess' (Chicken And Hen Fern)

Asplenium 'Maori Princess', also known as the Mother Spleenwort Fern, is a striking NZ native fern featuring glossy, dark green fronds with a...

OUT OF STOCK
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
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Polystichum rigens (Stiff Bears Paw Fern)

Polystichum rigens is an attractive fern valued for its neat, upright fronds and strong evergreen to semi evergreen foliage. The finely divided, deep...

OUT OF STOCK
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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
Athyrium okanum green foliage.
Athyrium 'Okanum' (Japanese Painted Fern Plant)

Athyrium 'Okanum' is a highly ornamental fern admired for its elegant arching fronds and distinctive foliage colouring. The finely textured leaves...

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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...

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Doodia aspera (Prickly Rasp Fern)

Doodia aspera is an attractive evergreen fern valued for its finely divided fronds and colourful bronze red new growth that gradually matures to deep...

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Syzygium 'Big Red' hedge growing in front of a house.
Syzygium 'Big Red'

Syzygium 'Big Red' is a striking evergreen shrub admired for its glossy green foliage and vibrant bright red new growth. This popular lilly pilly...

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Ginkgo 'Fastigiata'

Did you find what you are looking for?

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

Search big maidenhair fern

What is a Big Maidenhair Fern?

The term "big maidenhair fern" typically refers to species in the Adiantum genus that grow larger than the classic houseplant types. Among these, Adiantum formosum (Giant Maidenhair Fern) stands out with striking, upright black stems and broad, arching fronds reaching up to a metre high. This New Zealand native thrives in moist, humus-rich soils, making it ideal for sheltered garden beds or as a large feature fern in a shaded courtyard.

Growing Conditions for Large Maidenhair Ferns

To get the best from your big maidenhair fern, provide dappled light or full shade and consistently moist, well-drained soil. These ferns love humidity but dislike direct hot sun or excessive wind. Protecting them from dry air and frosts helps maintain their trademark lushness. For homes, a bathroom or shaded conservatory is perfect, and their size creates a dramatic, graceful effect.

Consider these tips for thriving big maidenhair ferns: - Mulch well to keep roots cool and moist - Water regularly, avoiding both drought and soggy feet - Trim back old or damaged fronds to encourage fresh growth

Best Big Maidenhair Fern Varieties for New Zealand

If you’re looking to expand your fern collection, New Zealand is home to several spectacular maidenhair species. The standout for a big maidenhair look is the Adiantum formosum (Giant Maidenhair Fern), loved for its impressive stature and resilience. For textured foliage and subtle colour contrasts, explore the slightly smaller Adiantum hispidulum (Rough Maidenhair Fern) or the finely divided Adiantum aleuticum (Five-Finger Fern). Gardeners who appreciate unique native flora also adore the elegant Adiantum cunninghamii (New Zealand Maidenhair Fern), while Adiantum raddianum is a favoured classic for both pots and garden beds.

Why Choose a Big Maidenhair Fern?

A big maidenhair fern offers a softening effect in all planting schemes, from shaded woodland borders to lush indoor displays. Their airy fronds filter light beautifully and provide natural humidity. Larger species like Adiantum formosum (Giant Maidenhair Fern) not only add vertical interest but become living sculptures, bridging the gap between ornamental and architectural plants.

Shop Big Maidenhair Ferns in New Zealand

Looking for your own big maidenhair fern? Our nursery specialises in healthy, pest-free Adiantum varieties, perfect for New Zealand homes and gardens. Browse our collection, including the impressive Adiantum formosum (Giant Maidenhair Fern) and other beautiful options like Adiantum hispidulum (Rough Maidenhair Fern), Adiantum aleuticum (Five-Finger Fern), Adiantum cunninghamii (New Zealand Maidenhair Fern), and Adiantum raddianum. Find the perfect fern for your indoor or outdoor sanctuary.

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.
Lomandra 'Tanika' and Lomandra 'Frosty Tops' are beloved staples, but Phormium 'Veneer', Cordyline 'Broadsword', and Corylus colurna bring fresh energy to any planting scheme.
–The Plant Company

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