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crown fern nz

The crown fern NZ (Blechnum discolor) is a beloved native fern found throughout New Zealand’s lush forests and garden landscapes. Known for its bold, arching fronds and distinctive form, the crown fern brings structure, texture, and vibrant green hues to shaded areas. Whether you’re reviving a shady corner, adding native flair to your landscape design, or creating a lush underplanting beneath trees, crown ferns are an essential choice for New Zealand gardens.

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.

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
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Quercus canariensis

Quercus canariensis is a stately, deciduous tree with colourful autumn foliage. The lush foliage emerges light green in spring, ages to become dark green, then develops impressive yellow and brown tones in autumn before falling. Small, yellow-green flowers in spring result in brown acorns in autumn.

From $270.40

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 20.00 m
Spread: 10.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine
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Aloidendron barberae (Tree Aloe)

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Phlebodium aureum Blue Star (Blue Star Fern)

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Blechnum discolor (Crown Ferns) in a native garden.
Blechnum discolor

Blechnum discolor (Crown Fern) is a hardy NZ native fern admired for its upright fronds, tidy crown forming habit, and lush evergreen presence. It...

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

Asplenium nidus avis is a bold bird nest style fern known for its wide glossy fronds that radiate from a central rosette. Its architectural form...

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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...

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

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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...

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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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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...

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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
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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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
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
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...

OUT OF STOCK
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Nephrolepis exaltata Emina (Crinkle Fern)

Commonly known as the Crinkle Fern, this is a popular indoor plant owing to its ease to grow and attractive foliage. It produces lush foliage that is...

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
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Pteris cretica (Cretan Brake Fern)

Pteris cretica (Cretan Brake Fern) is an elegant evergreen fern prized for its graceful arching fronds and lush green foliage. It is an excellent...

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...

OUT OF STOCK
Rumohra adiantiformis ferns in a woodland garden.
Rumohra adiantiformis (Leatherleaf Fern)

Rumohra adiantiformis, commonly known as Leatherleaf Fern, is a resilient evergreen fern prized for its glossy, leathery fronds and adaptability to...

OUT OF STOCK
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...

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
Asplenium bulbiferum (Hen And Chicken Fern)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Asplenium, Disphyma, and Fagus, or related Categories - Ground Fern, Flaxes, and Evergreen Shrubs.

Search crown fern nz

Why Choose Crown Fern NZ for Your Garden?

Crown ferns are prized for their hardy, easy-care nature and striking appearance. Their bright green fronds radiate outward from a central point, creating a “crown” shape that stands out in bush settings and urban gardens alike. As a tough groundcover, crown fern NZ helps suppress weeds, stabilise soils on slopes, and provide valuable shelter for native wildlife. Being evergreen, they ensure year-round interest, even when other garden plants are dormant.

Growing Conditions for Crown Ferns

Crown ferns thrive in well-drained, humus-rich soils with consistent moisture. They prefer dappled shade or filtered light, much like their natural bush habitat. While crown ferns tolerate cold and light frosts, they appreciate some shelter from harsh winds and intense afternoon sun, especially in exposed gardens. Regular mulching with leaf litter or fine bark helps conserve moisture and mimics the conditions of New Zealand forests.

Designing with Crown Fern and Other New Zealand Ferns

Crown fern NZ combines well with a range of other New Zealand natives, making it a perfect companion for woodland-style plantings. For diverse texture and form, consider pairing crown fern with Asplenium nidus avis (Birds Nest Fern) for glossy, wavy leaves or the soft and delicate Adiantum hispidulum (Rough Maidenhair Fern). For bold contrast, incorporate Doodia australis (Rasp Fern) or the robust Doodia aspera (Prickly Rasp Fern). For even finer, lacy foliage, Adiantum cunninghamii (New Zealand Maidenhair Fern) makes an excellent addition. These companions celebrate New Zealand’s unique fern diversity in your own garden.

How to Care for Your Crown Fern NZ

Crown ferns are low maintenance once established. Water during dry spells, especially in their first growing season. Remove spent fronds to tidy their appearance and promote new growth. Avoid compacted soils and heavy foot traffic around the crown, as the fibrous roots prefer loose, organic soil. If your site is exposed or dry, consider underplanting with other shade-loving ferns to provide microclimate protection.

Crown Fern NZ for Restoration and Natural Landscapes

Crown fern NZ is a go-to choice for ecological restoration, shelterbelts, and riparian plantings. Its dense root system stabilises stream banks and forest edges, while the thick frond canopy provides shelter for skinks, invertebrates, and birds. As a vital part of native bush understorey, crown ferns help recreate the authentic look and function of New Zealand’s forests in both public and private spaces.

If you are passionate about native gardens, explore more unique New Zealand ferns such as Asplenium nidus avis (Birds Nest Fern), Doodia australis (Rasp Fern), and Adiantum cunninghamii (New Zealand Maidenhair Fern) to create your own fern haven. Bring the spirit of the bush home with the versatile, enduring crown fern NZ.

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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.
Zephyranthes candida and Rhododendron Vireya 'Pink Jazz' may be the stars of the show, but unsung heroes like Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd' (Green Cedar), Rhopalostylis sapida, and Malus Snowbright deserve a moment in the sun.
–The Plant Company

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