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ferns in nz

Ferns in NZ are a natural treasure, thriving in the lush rainforests, shaded gardens, and unique landscapes of Aotearoa. Whether you are a native plant enthusiast, a landscape designer, or a home gardener seeking green solutions for shaded areas, exploring native ferns opens up a world of beauty and biodiversity. From delicate maidenhairs to robust shield ferns, there is a fern to suit almost every part of your garden. Their architectural foliage, resilience, and adaptability make them a favourite choice for anyone looking to capture the essence of New Zealand’s natural heritage.

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
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 wide. It grows best when positioned in partial shade on a well-drained soil in a sheltered spot. It will not tolerate wet growing conditions or frost.

From $38.57

Suited to regions: Subtropical
Plant type: Indoor Plants
Height: 30 cm
Spread: 30 cm
Tolerances: Shade
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Modern, Tropical
Large Jacaranda mimosifolia tree with blue flowers.
Jacaranda mimosifolia (Blue Jacaranda)

Jacaranda mimosifolia, commonly known as the Blue Jacaranda tree, is a tropical-looking tree that is widely planted because of its beautiful and...

From$323.65
Ligularia reniformis with lush leaves growing in a container.
Ligularia reniformis

Ligularia reniformis, commonly known as the Tractor Seat Plant, is a striking foliage plant ideal for shaded New Zealand gardens. It features large...

From$17.87
podocarpus-gracilior-
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...

From$270.40
podocarpus-macrophyllus-maki-1
Podocarpus macrophyllus 'Maki' (Fern Pine)

Podocarpus macrophyllus 'Maki' (Fern Pine) is a compact, upright evergreen conifer prized for its dense, dark green foliage and naturally tidy growth...

From$192.51
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
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
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
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...

OUT OF STOCK
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...

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
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...

OUT OF STOCK
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...

OUT OF STOCK
Blechnum 'Silver Lady' elegant lime-green fronds.
Blechnum 'Silver Lady' (Dwarf Tree Fern)

Blechnum 'Silver Lady' is a graceful, compact fern admired for its soft arching fronds and vibrant green colouring. This refined fern brings elegance...

OUT OF STOCK
polystichum-braunii-4
Polystichum braunii (Brauns Holly Fern)

Polystichum braunii is a graceful evergreen fern admired for its finely divided dark green fronds and elegant arching growth habit. This attractive...

OUT OF STOCK
platycerium-bifurcatum-netherlands-
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
doodia-australis-2
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
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
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...

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
Dicksonia squarrosa (Punga) tree fern in a native reserve.
Dicksonia squarrosa (Wheki)

Dicksonia squarrosa, commonly known as Rough Tree Fern or Ponga, is a native New Zealand fern prized for its striking, upright trunk and lush...

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 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
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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...

OUT OF STOCK
Cyathea dealbata fern with lush, green foliage.
Cyathea dealbata (Punga)

Cyathea dealbata, commonly known as Silver Fern or Ponga, is one of New Zealand’s most iconic native plants. This majestic tree fern is admired for...

OUT OF STOCK
Athyrium niponicum fern.
Athyrium niponicum (Painted Fern)

Athyrium niponicum, commonly known as the Japanese Painted Fern, is a stunning deciduous fern prized for its delicate silver grey fronds highlighted...

OUT OF STOCK
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...

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
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
Athyrium niponicum 'Ursula's Red' plants.
Athyrium niponicum 'Ursula's Red' (Painted Fern Plant)

Athyrium niponicum 'Ursula's Red' is a spectacular Japanese Painted Fern grown for its finely divided silver green fronds highlighted with rich...

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...

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 - Adiantum, Asplenium, and Cyathea, or related Categories - Ground Fern, Tree Fern, and Indoor Plants.

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Native Fern Diversity in New Zealand

New Zealand is home to nearly 200 native fern species, each with its own character and appeal. These ferns thrive in a variety of habitats, from coastal cliffs to cool mountain forests. The resilience of ferns in NZ is legendary, with many species perfectly adapted to cope with wind, damp, and poor soils. Ferns are commonly found alongside native trees and shrubs, filling shady understorey areas and offering cover for wildlife.

Popular Fern Species for NZ Gardens

Looking to plant ferns in your own garden? Some of the most popular and adaptable native species include Doodia australis (Rasp Fern), a hardy fern perfect for groundcover and mass planting in moist, shaded spots. Its pink-tinged new fronds add seasonal interest and contrast beautifully with darker greens. Doodia aspera (Prickly Rasp Fern) is another tough choice, valued for its drought tolerance and spiky-textured foliage that tolerates a range of conditions—ideal for creating lush underplantings beneath native trees.

The elegant Asplenium obtusatum (Spleenwort Fern) is favoured for coastal and urban gardens alike, thanks to its glossy, leathery fronds and low-maintenance nature. For those seeking a striking, robust fern, Polystichum vestitum (Prickly Shield Fern) makes an excellent statement with its bold, arching leaves and year-round structure.

If you’re after the classic woodland look, Adiantum cunninghamii (New Zealand Maidenhair Fern) stands out with its airy fronds and fine texture, perfectly capturing the magic of native bush settings.

Growing Tips for Ferns in NZ

When planting ferns in NZ, choose a spot with partial or full shade, rich, moisture-retentive soil, and shelter from harsh winds. Most ferns thrive when mulched with organic matter, which helps replicate the forest floor and keep the root zone cool. Regular watering during dry spells is essential, especially for newly planted ferns, but established plants can be surprisingly drought-hardy. Avoid over-fertilising, as too much feed can spoil their natural charm.

Ferns are not only easy to look after but also help improve soil structure, reduce erosion, and boost native biodiversity in your garden.

Bring NZ Ferns to Your Garden

Ferns in NZ offer endless possibilities for landscaping and restoration projects, as well as for homeowners looking to bring a slice of the natural world closer to home. Explore our range, including Doodia australis (Rasp Fern), Doodia aspera (Prickly Rasp Fern), Asplenium obtusatum (Spleenwort Fern), Polystichum vestitum (Prickly Shield Fern), and Adiantum cunninghamii (New Zealand Maidenhair Fern). With just a little care, you can enjoy the timeless beauty of NZ’s native ferns in every corner of your garden.

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.
Corokia 'Mangatangi' and Avocado 'Reed' are popular for a reason, but it’s plants like Tradescantia blossfeldiana, Pandorea 'Charisma', and Rosmarinus 'Chef's Choice' (Culinary Rosemary) that create a truly unique garden.
–The Plant Company

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