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dwarf ferns nz

Looking for the perfect way to add bold, natural textures to your home or garden with minimal fuss? Dwarf ferns NZ enthusiasts appreciate these smaller ferns for their refined elegance and suitability in small spaces. Whether you’re brightening up a shaded corner, designing a verdant rockery, or seeking hardy options for underplanting, dwarf ferns deliver year-round appeal. Let’s explore the best dwarf ferns for New Zealand gardens and how to use them for maximum visual impact.

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 as an indoor feature but equally effective in sheltered outdoor settings, it brings texture, softness, and character to shaded spaces. This elegant fern thrives in part shade with steady moisture and delivers year round greenery, making it a charming and versatile addition to NZ homes and gardens.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Ferns
Height: 20 cm
Spread: 25 cm
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
pittosporum-small-ball-

Pittosporum Small Ball (Dwarf Pittosporum)

Pittosporum Small Ball is a dwarf variety grown for its glossy, olive-green leaves which are held densely. This evergreen grows with a ball shape to about 1 m tall and the same wide. This hardy plant is ideal for including in a mixed planting, growing in a container, including in rock gardens, or using in border plantings. Pittosporum Small Ball also looks great when planted around water features such as ponds or swimming pools.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 1.00 m
Spread: 1.00 m
Tolerances: Coastal
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Hedging, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Ponds, Pool areas, Topiary
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Native, Rock
A Pittosporum 'Midget' plant in a garden.

Pittosporum 'Midget' (Dwarf Pittosporum)

Pittosporum 'Midget' is a dwarf variety that features foliage made up of small, fresh green leaves. The foliage is complemented with small, purple...

From$40.43
An Asplenium bulbiferum (Hen and Chicken Fern) growing in a shaded postion and displaying lush, green fronds.

Asplenium bulbiferum (Hen And Chicken Fern)

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...

From$33.68
feijoa-bambina-

Feijoa 'Bambina'

Feijoa 'Bambina' is a compact, dwarf variety perfect for small gardens, patios, and containers. It grows to around 1.5 m tall and wide, forming a...

From$26.93
phlebodium-blue-star-

Phlebodium aureum Blue Star (Blue Star Fern)

The Blue Star Fern features wavy leaves that are a blue-green colour. This popular indoor plant grows as a clump to about 30 cm tall and the same...

From$37.73
podocarpus-gracilior-

Podocarpus gracilior (African Fern Pine)

Podocarpus gracilior, commonly known as the African Fern Pine, Fern Podocarpus, carries soft, weeping, deep green foliage held on rigid branches. It...

From$299.92
Metrosideros excelsa (Pohutukawa) specimen tree with masses of red flowers in a coastal location.

Metrosideros excelsa (Pōhutukawa)

Metrosideros excelsa, commonly known as Pōhutukawa or the New Zealand Christmas Tree, is a coastal evergreen renowned for its brilliant red flowers...

From$26.93
Phormium 'Green Dwarf' flax plant in a native garden with Oioi plants.

Phormium 'Green Dwarf'

Phormium 'Green Dwarf', also known as Dwarf Green Flax, is a compact, tidy New Zealand flax cultivar with lush, bright green, strap-like leaves. It...

From$16.13
abutilon-lucky-lantern-white-2

Abutilon Lucky Lantern White

Abutilon Lucky Lantern White, commonly known as Chinese Lantern, Flowering Maple, or Parlour Maple, grows to just 50 cm tall and the same wide, and...

From$26.93
cyperus-papyrus-nana-3

Cyperus papyrus Nana (Dwarf Papyrus)

Cyperus papyrus Nana, the Dwarf Papyrus, is a perennial grass with bright green leaves and distinctive umbrella-like flower sprays in summer. Growing...

From$20.18
podocarpus-macrophyllus-maki-1

Podocarpus Maki (Fern Pine)

Podocarpus macrophyllus Maki, commonly known as Shrubby Yew Tree, Chinese Podocarpus, or Shrubby Podocarpus, produces dense, dark green leaves, with...

From$205.02
Pittosporum 'Stephens Island' green foliage.

Pittosporum 'Stephens Island' (Dwarf Karo)

Pittosporum ‘Stephens Island’ is a compact, evergreen shrub known for its dense, upright growth and attractive grey-green foliage. A hardy New...

From$21.53
Juniperus procumbens 'Nana' (prostrate Juniper) growing as a tidy ground cover.

Juniperus procumbens Nana (Japanese Dwarf Juniper)

Juniperus procumbens 'Nana', commonly known as the Prostrate Juniper, is a ground-hugging conifer that forms a carpet of blue-green, needle-like...

From$33.68
Phormium 'Black Pepe' dwarf flax plant.

Phormium 'Black Pepe' (Dwarf Black Flax)

Phormium 'Black Pepe' is a dwarf Flax variety that produces black leaves with a purple overtone. It grows to 60 cm tall and the same wide in full sun...

From$18.23
phormium-pepe-

Phormium 'Pepe' (Dwarf Flax)

Phormium Pepe is a smaller variety of Flax that produces narrow and sword-like, bright green leaves. It typically grows to just 45 cm tall and the...

From$20.93
Chionochloa flavicans (Miniature ToeToe) plants with cascading cream-coloured flowers.

Chionochloa flavicans (Miniature Toetoe)

Chionochloa flavicans, commonly known as Miniature ToeToe or Dwarf Toe Toe, is a highly popular NZ native grass. It has flowing, green foliage and...

From$9.01
Kniphofia Dwarf Scarlet plant with red flowers.

Kniphofia 'Dwarf Scarlet' (Hot Poker Plant)

Kniphofia 'Dwarf Scarlet' is a compact perennial known for its vibrant red flower spikes that rise above neat grassy foliage. This eye catching plant...

From$20.18
sorbus-scarlet-king-

Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King (Rowan Tree NZ)

Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King is a variety of the commonly known, Mountain Ash, and is a small-sized, deciduous with impressive characteristics...

From$343.89
A Pelargonium 'Dwarf White' plant in a pot.

Pelargonium 'Dwarf White'

Pelargonium 'Dwarf White' is a compact and floriferous geranium that produces clusters of pure white blooms over a long flowering season. Its neat...

From$20.18
hymenosporum-gold-nugget--2

Hymenosporum Gold Nugget (Dwarf Frangipani)

Hymenosporum flavum Gold Nugget is a shrub grown for its clusters of fragrant flowers through spring. The flowers emerge a cream colour, age to...

From$33.68
kniphofia-dwarf-orange-

Kniphofia Dwarf Orange (Torchlily)

Kniphofia Dwarf Orange is a variety of the commonly known, Red Hot Poker, and is grown for its colourful flowers. Stems rise above the foliage...

From$20.18
sansevieria-hahnii-

Sansevieria Hahnii (Bird's Nest Snake Plant)

Sansevieria Hahnii, commonly known as the Dwarf Snake Plant or Serpent Plant, is a very popular indoor plant. It features upright and fleshy leaves...

From$37.73
schefflera-arboricola-

Schefflera arboricola (Dwarf Umbrella Tree)

The Schefflera arboricola plant, commonly known as the Dwarf Umbrella Tree, is an evergreen shrub commonly grown as a houseplant. The foliage is mid...

From$26.93
Davallia fejeensis  (Rabbits Foot Fern)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Abutilon, Asplenium, Chionochloa, Cyperus, Davallia, Feijoa, Hymenosporum, Juniperus, Kniphofia, Metrosideros, Pelargonium, Phlebodium, Phormium, Pittosporum, Podocarpus, Sansevieria Schefflera and Sorbus, or related Categories - Ground Fern, Flaxes, Feijoa, Grasses, Groundcover Plants, Indoor Plants, Perennials, Evergreen Shrubs Deciduous Trees and Evergreen Trees.

Search dwarf ferns nz

Why Choose Dwarf Ferns in NZ Gardens

Dwarf ferns are the ideal solution for gardeners who love lush greenery but have limited space. Their compact size makes them perfect for small gardens, urban patios, and containers. Because many are native or well-adapted to New Zealand’s climate, they’re hardy, low-maintenance, and resilient against common garden pests. From shaded borders to hanging baskets, these miniature ferns add delicate texture and a woodland vibe to any green sanctuary.

Best Dwarf Ferns for Kiwi Gardeners

New Zealand plant lovers can find a wonderful selection of compact ferns for every purpose.

Where and How to Grow Dwarf Ferns in NZ

Dwarf ferns in NZ are versatile and easy to care for with the right conditions. Most thrive in moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Morning sun or dappled light brings out the best in their foliage, while protection from harsh afternoon sun keeps leaves lush and vibrant. Because of their modest size, dwarf ferns fit beautifully into terrariums, under established shrubs, along shady pathways, or nestled among rocks.

Mulching helps conserve moisture, while feeding with a slow-release fertiliser in spring will encourage steady growth. Tip: many of these ferns, like Asplenium obtusatum (Spleenwort Fern), are suited to coastal conditions and can tolerate a bit of salt spray.

Discover the Best Dwarf Ferns NZ Wide

Whether you’re a beginner gardener or a seasoned collector, adding dwarf ferns to your space brings an easy-care splash of green all year round. Browse our hand-picked selection of Blechnum 'Silver Lady' (Dwarf Tree Fern), Blechnum fraseri (Miniature Tree Fern), Doodia australis (Rasp Fern), Doodia aspera (Prickly Rasp Fern), and Asplenium obtusatum (Spleenwort Fern) for the perfect match to your gardening vision. Nurture your own pocket of wild in the heart of New Zealand with these stunning dwarf ferns.


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