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hard tree fern

If you're searching for a striking, resilient addition to your garden with native New Zealand flair, the hard tree fern might be just what you need. Known for its impressive trunk and lush fronds, the hard tree fern is a favourite for landscapers and home gardeners wanting to bring structure and a prehistoric vibe to shaded spaces. These hardy ferns are not just beautiful—they're tougher than many of their relatives, making them ideal for a range of conditions across New Zealand gardens.

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. Despite its common name, it is not a true pine but offers a similar evergreen presence with a softer and more refined appearance.

From $270.40

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 20.00 m
Spread: 10.00 m
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Hedging, Parks, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Coastal, Formal, Mediterranean
Acer palmatum 'Crimson Queen' specimen tree with purple-red cascading foliage.

Acer palmatum 'Crimson Queen'

5 from 1 customers

Acer palmatum 'Crimson Queen' is a highly admired weeping Japanese maple known for its finely dissected burgundy foliage that retains rich colour throughout the growing season. Its cascading form creates a soft, elegant silhouette that stands out beautifully in New Zealand gardens.

From $299.95

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 2.50 m
Spread: 3.50 m
Garden uses: Containers, Parks, Ponds, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
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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
sorbus-scarlet-king-
Sorbus aucuparia 'Scarlet King'

Sorbus aucuparia 'Scarlet King' is a handsome deciduous tree valued for its attractive fern like foliage, creamy white spring flowers, brilliant...

From$387.55
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$26.15
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
Melia azedarach tree.
Melia azedarach (Bead Tree)

Melia azedarach (Bead Tree, White Cedar) is a graceful deciduous tree valued for its attractive fern like foliage, fragrant clusters of lilac...

From$387.55
An Acer 'Katsura' specimen tree with orange and green foliage.
Acer 'Katsura'

Acer 'Katsura' is a stunning Japanese maple known for its brilliant apricot orange spring foliage that matures to fresh green before turning vibrant...

From$299.95
tree-and-shrub-fertiliser-
Tree Fertiliser (Tree Fertiliser)

Using tree fertiliser results in plants having better quality foliage, more profuse flowering, stronger stems, and a much healthier and brighter...

From$16.95
daphniphyllum-macropodum-3
Daphniphyllum macropodum

Daphniphyllum macropodum is an impressive evergreen shrub or small tree grown for its lush, glossy green foliage and attractive architectural form...

From$366.25
Albizia julibrissin 'Rosea' pink flowers and lush, green foliage.
Albizia julibrissin 'Rosea'

Albizia julibrissin 'Rosea' (Silk Tree) is a stunning deciduous tree valued for its graceful spreading canopy, fern like foliage, and masses of...

From$344.95
acer-esk-sunset-
Acer 'Esk Sunset'

Acer 'Esk Sunset' is a stunning deciduous maple prized for its richly variegated foliage with green leaves flushed in pink, cream, and purple...

From$299.95
A stunning Albizia julibrissin 'Red Silk' tree with masses of red flowers.
Albizia 'Red Silk'

Albizia 'Red Silk' is a variety of the commonly known Silk Tree, and is grown for its delicate foliage and showy flowers. The fern-like foliage is...

From$344.95
pyrus-salicifolia-pendula-1
Pyrus salicifolia 'Pendula'

Pyrus salicifolia 'Pendula' is a graceful ornamental pear admired for its elegant weeping branches and silvery grey foliage. The narrow leaves create...

From$515.35
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$30.29
Myoporum laetum (Ngaio) tree with lush foliage and white flowers growing in a coastal location.
Myoporum laetum (Ngaio)

Myoporum laetum, commonly known as Ngaio, is a NZ native tree grown for its lush foliage and showy flowers. It features large, fleshy, green leaves...

From$28.91
Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu) tree juvenile foliage.
Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu Tree)

Dacrydium cupressinum, commonly known as Rimu or Red Pine, is an iconic and slow-growing tree. The juvenile form features drooping branches densely...

From$99.29
fruiting-plant-fertiliser-
Fruit Tree Fertiliser (Fruit Tree Fertiliser)

Fruiting plants respond well to fruit tree fertiliser with better quality produce, higher yields, and a much healthier and brighter looking plant...

From$16.95
emguard-biodegradable-plant-shelter-
Tree Guards

Tree Guards provide a simple and effective way to protect young trees from animals, wind, accidental damage, and herbicide spray. They create a...

From$5.00
Phyllocladus trichomanoides lush green foliage.
Phyllocladus trichomanoides (Celery Pine)

Phyllocladus trichomanoides, commonly called Celery Pine, is a striking New Zealand native tree valued for its unique, celery like foliage and tall...

From$515.35
pb-60-planter-bags-
PB60 Planter Bags (Bag For Xmas Tree)

PB60 Planter Bags are a strong and practical option for growing large trees, shrubs, fruit plants, natives, and advanced nursery stock. Their...

From$169.50
palm-tree-fertiliser-1
Palm Tree Fertiliser (Palm Tree Fertiliser)

Choosing the correct Palm tree fertiliser is essential for producing better quality foliage, stronger fronds, and a much healthier and brighter...

From$16.95
ulmus-lobel-
Ulmus 'Lobel' (Dutch Elm Tree)

Ulmus 'Lobel' is a refined deciduous elm valued for its narrow upright form, dense green foliage, and excellent suitability as an avenue or specimen...

From$557.95
Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' trees with yellow foliage in autumn.
Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' (Tulip Tree)

Liriodendron tulipifera fastigiata, also known as the Upright Tulip Tree, is a stunning deciduous tree admired for its narrow, columnar form. It...

From$515.35
pb-28-planter-bags-
PB28 Planter Bags (Christmas Tree Bag)

PB28 Planter Bags are a durable and economical option for growing large trees, shrubs, fruit plants, natives, and other mature nursery stock. Their...

From$130.50
Tabebuia rosea tree with masses of pink flowers.
Tabebuia rosea (Pink Poui)

Tabebuia rosea is a spectacular flowering tree admired for its masses of soft pink trumpet shaped blooms that appear before the foliage in spring...

From$65.55
jute-tree-tie-1
Jute Tree Tie

Jute Tree Tie is a natural and flexible option for securing young trees to stakes while they establish. The soft material helps reduce rubbing and...

From$64.67
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Cloth Tree Tie

Cloth Tree Ties are a soft, flexible solution for securely supporting young trees and plants while they establish. Made from durable cloth material...

From$9.28
A stunning Amenity Ryegrass lawn.
Amenity Ryegrass Seed (Lawn Seed)

Rye Grass Seed lawns are quick to establish and features dark green leaves year-round. Our Amenity Rye Grass is a popular turf variety that is...

From$16.95
A large Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa tree).
Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa Tree)

Beilschmiedia tawa, commonly known as the Tawa Tree, is a tall and graceful evergreen native to New Zealand. It is admired for its straight trunk...

From$313.00
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
doodia-aspera-
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
Podocarpus gracilior (African Fern Pine)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acer, Asplenium, and Daphniphyllum, or related Categories - General Garden Fertiliser, Ground Fern, and Evergreen Shrubs.

Search hard tree fern

What is a Hard Tree Fern?

The hard tree fern is a robust species prized for its upright, fibrous trunk and graceful arching fronds that can grow up to two metres long. Unlike more delicate ferns, the hard tree fern copes well with lower temperatures and variable moisture, adapting to a variety of outdoor settings. Its ability to thrive in partial to full shade makes it a popular choice for creating lush, green understories beneath taller trees or in sheltered corners.

Growing Hard Tree Ferns in New Zealand Gardens

Planting a hard tree fern is a great way to add texture and height to your fernery, woodland garden, or shady border. These ferns prefer well-drained, rich soils with plenty of organic matter and benefit from regular mulching to keep their shallow roots cool and moist. While the hard tree fern can withstand short periods of dryness, it performs best with consistent moisture, especially during the establishment phase. As a bonus, mature specimens are relatively low-maintenance once settled in, requiring only the occasional tidy-up of old fronds.

Landscaping with Other Ferns and Woodland Plants

To achieve a truly layered and diverse fern garden, combine the hard tree fern with smaller, complementary species. The Pellaea rotundifolia (Button Fern) is an excellent underplanting choice, offering compact form and glossy rounded leaflets. Looking for something more dramatic? The Cyathea cooperi (Australian Tree Fern) produces a lacy umbrella of foliage, while Blechnum 'Silver Lady' (Dwarf Tree Fern) brings bright, textural greenery to lower layers.

Don't overlook native varieties such as Asplenium obtusatum (Spleenwort Fern), which adds depth and interest under the canopy. For an exotic companion with feathery foliage, Podocarpus gracilior (African Fern Pine) can also complement tree ferns in larger plantings.

Caring for Your Hard Tree Fern

To keep your hard tree fern healthy, site it in a sheltered spot away from harsh winds. Feed in early spring with a slow-release, balanced fertiliser for best results, and water during extended dry spells. Protect the growing crown from frost using mulch or frost cloth in colder regions. Remove dead fronds in late winter or early spring to keep the plant looking tidy and to reduce the risk of pests or diseases.

Why Choose the Hard Tree Fern?

With its bold silhouette and resilience, the hard tree fern is a must-have for those designing a classic New Zealand bush garden or a cool, shaded retreat. Its architectural form and adaptability mean you can enjoy stunning greenery year-round, whether you’re building a native collection or crafting a tranquil, woodland-inspired haven. Add a hard tree fern to your landscape and enjoy the timeless beauty and subtle drama it brings to any garden setting.

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.
While Coprosma acerosa and Photinia 'Red Robin' are household names, Acer shirasawanum 'Autumn Moon', Iberis sempervirens 'Snowflake', and Ribes 'Ben Mapua' are rising stars in the plant world.
–The Plant Company

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