Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

hardy tree fern

Are you searching for a hardy tree fern to add lush structure and instant interest to your New Zealand garden? Hardy tree ferns are prized for their resilience, stunning form, and ability to thrive in a range of conditions. Whether you’re landscaping a shady spot, creating a lush woodland garden or simply want a striking specimen plant, a hardy tree fern brings graceful greenery and a tropical look that stands up to cold and wind. On this page, you’ll discover what makes a tree fern “hardy”, the best varieties to consider, and expert tips on planting and care.

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
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 flowers, and decorative golden berries that persist into winter. It provides excellent shade during summer while adding seasonal interest to New Zealand landscapes.

From $387.55

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 12.00 m
Spread: 6.00 m
Flowering time: Autumn
Tolerances: Extended dry periods, Hardy
Garden uses: Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Japanese
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
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
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
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
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
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
fraxinus-griffithii-3
Fraxinus griffithii

Fraxinus griffithii (Evergreen Ash) is a fast growing evergreen tree valued for its glossy foliage and neat upright form. It is well suited to New...

From$270.40
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
Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem' white flower.
Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem'

Magnolia grandiflora ‘Little Gem’ is a compact, evergreen tree prized for its glossy green leaves and large, fragrant white flowers. Growing to...

From$41.33
A lush Fraxinus cimmzam specimen tree.
Fraxinus pennsylvanica 'Cimmzam'

Fraxinus pennsylvanica 'Cimmzam', commonly known as Cimmzam Green Ash, is a hardy and fast growing deciduous tree valued for its symmetrical form and...

From$511.09
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
A Sophora chathamica tree growing in a garden with green foliage.
Sophora chathamica

Sophora chathamica (Coastal Kōwhai) is a stunning New Zealand native tree known for its masses of bright yellow flowers that appear in early spring...

From$323.65
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
Laurus nobilis foliage and flowers.
Laurus nobilis

Laurus nobilis, commonly known as Sweet Bay Tree or Bay Laurel, is a versatile evergreen tree prized for its aromatic leaves and classic form. It...

From$34.43
acer-violaceum-1
Acer negundo 'Violaceum'

Acer negundo 'Violaceum' is an attractive deciduous maple valued for its distinctive purple tinted young growth and fresh green foliage. The new...

From$399.95
A Sophora godleyi specimen tree covered in yellow flowers.
Sophora godleyi (Godleys Kowhai)

Sophora godleyi is a magnificent New Zealand native tree valued for its graceful weeping branches and bright yellow flowers that appear in spring...

From$323.65
Sophora fulvida tree with masses of yellow flowers.
Sophora fulvida

Sophora fulvida (Southern Kōwhai) is a beautiful New Zealand native tree admired for its golden yellow flowers and fine green foliage. Flowering in...

From$169.24
Cordyline australis albertii plants with variegated foliage.
Cordyline albertii

Cordyline albertii (Variegated Cabbage Tree) is a striking evergreen tree admired for its bold green leaves edged with creamy white variegation. This...

From$340.69
A large and showy Quercus ilex specimen tree in a field.
Quercus ilex

Quercus ilex, commonly known as the Holm Oak or Evergreen Oak, is an evergreen tree with lush foliage. The dark green leaves are glossy and...

From$270.40
Pittosporum eugenioides tree with lush, dark green foliage and cream-coloured flowers.
Pittosporum eugenioides (Tarata)

Pittosporum eugenioides, commonly known as Tarata or Lemonwood, is a fast-growing native New Zealand tree valued for its glossy green leaves and...

From$15.04
An Acer saccharum (Sugar Maple) specimen tree in autumn with orange foliage.
Acer saccharum (Sugar Maple)

Acer saccharum, commonly known as the Sugar Maple, is a large, deciduous tree grown for its bright autumn foliage and fabled maple syrup. The leaves...

From$249.95
Knightia excelsa (Rewarewa) specimen tree in a park.
Knightia excelsa

Knightia excelsa, commonly known as Rewarewa, is an impressive NZ native tree featuring showy flowers and lush foliage. Unusual yet attractive, dark...

From$270.40
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
acer-princeton-gold-
Acer platanoides 'Princeton Gold'

Acer platanoides 'Princeton Gold' is a striking Norway Maple prized for its brilliant golden yellow foliage that holds its colour through spring and...

From$349.95
Quercus laurina specimen tree with lush, green foliage.
Quercus laurina

Quercus laurina is a magnificent evergreen oak native to Central America, admired for its stately form and year round greenery. Its glossy, lance...

From$136.04
Leptospermum scoparium (Manuka) shrubs in a native reserve.
Leptospermum scoparium (Manuka)

Leptospermum scoparium, commonly known as Manuka or New Zealand Tea Tree, is a hardy native shrub prized for its aromatic foliage and masses of white...

From$13.73
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
A cluster of Betula platyphylla 'Japonica' trees showing their brilliant white trunks.
Betula platyphylla Japonica

Betula platyphylla 'Japonica' (also known as Japanese White Birch) is a graceful deciduous tree admired for its striking white bark, upright form...

From$383.29
A Kunzea robusta shrub with masses of pretty, white flowers.
Kunzea robusta

Kunzea robusta (White Tea Tree) is a fast growing NZ native tree known for its fine foliage and masses of small white flowers that attract bees and...

From$8.97
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
Podocarpus gracilior (African Fern Pine)

Did you find what you are looking for?

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

Search hardy tree fern

What Makes a Hardy Tree Fern

A hardy tree fern is defined by its toughness: it tolerates cold temperatures, wind, and the occasional frost better than more tender ferns. In New Zealand, these ferns can handle the country’s variable climate and still deliver impressive growth and lush foliage year-round. Hardy tree ferns offer tall, fibrous trunks and arching fronds, creating natural drama whether planted singly or in groups.

Popular Hardy Tree Fern Varieties in New Zealand

New Zealand gardens benefit from several species of hardy tree ferns. One outstanding option is the Cyathea cooperi (Australian Tree Fern), which produces elegant fronds and grows rapidly in sheltered spots. If you’re seeking a smaller, more delicate tree fern, Blechnum fraseri (Miniature Tree Fern) is ideal for shaded gardens and container planting.

For those looking to diversify their fern collection, consider planting alongside unique local ferns such as Asplenium obtusatum (Spleenwort Fern) or Pellaea rotundifolia (Button Fern), both known for their resilience and attractive foliage. Mixing hardy tree ferns with smaller ferns creates rich textures and layers that mimic native bush and forest floors.

If you have space for a larger specimen, Podocarpus gracilior (African Fern Pine) offers upright structure and soft, fern-like foliage that pairs well with genuine tree ferns.

Planting and Care Tips for Hardy Tree Ferns

To ensure your hardy tree fern thrives, choose a location sheltered from strong wind and harsh afternoon sun. Tree ferns prefer consistently moist, free-draining soil and benefit from a thick layer of mulch to keep their roots cool. Regular watering is vital, especially during dry spells, as ferns are sensitive to dehydration.

Feed your tree fern with a slow-release fertiliser formulated for ferns, taking care not to overfeed. New Zealand’s hardy tree ferns also appreciate gentle misting in hot weather, which keeps foliage fresh and vibrant.

Design Ideas Using Hardy Tree Ferns

Hardy tree ferns are stunning features in woodland gardens, subtropical plantings or as privacy screens along fences and boundaries. Their impressive height and textured trunks add an exotic touch. For a lush, layered effect, combine a hardy tree fern with companion ferns like Blechnum fraseri (Miniature Tree Fern) or ground covers such as Pellaea rotundifolia (Button Fern). Incorporate larger foliage plants, such as Podocarpus gracilior (African Fern Pine), to create an evergreen haven.

Discover Your Perfect Hardy Tree Fern

Ready to transform your garden with a hardy tree fern? Browse our specialist fern range for the ideal plant to suit your space, and explore companion plants like Cyathea cooperi (Australian Tree Fern) and Asplenium obtusatum (Spleenwort Fern). With the right tree fern and expert care, you can enjoy rich, green foliage and lasting beauty all year round.

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 Rhododendron 'Black Magic' and Chamaemelum nobile (Chamomile) often steal the spotlight, charming plants like Leptospermum 'Princess Anne', Baumea articulata, and Acer freemanii 'Jeffersred' quietly shine in any garden.
–The Plant Company

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.8

463 Google reviews