ferns in nz

Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
Price range: Contact Us
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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.

Asplenium bulbiferum (Hen And Chicken Fern)

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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. This fern adds a soft, tropical feel to any space and is low-maintenance, making it a favourite for both indoor and outdoor use.

Buy Asplenium bulbiferum (Hen And Chicken Fern)

From $33.68

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 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. This Fern makes for a fantastic potted plant but can also be grown outdoors in warmer climates. In such environments it is often planted around pool and other outdoor living areas. This is an easy plant to grow and very forgiving.

Buy Phlebodium aureum Blue Star (Blue Star Fern)

From $37.73

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

Asplenium bulbiferum (Hen And Chicken Fern)

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You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Achillea, Asplenium, Bambusa, Blechnum, Leptinella, Phlebodium, Podocarpus Potentilla and Robinia, or related Categories - Ground Fern, Groundcover Plants, Indoor Plants, Perennials, Deciduous Shrubs, Evergreen Shrubs Deciduous Trees and Evergreen Trees.

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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.