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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. This attractive tree is ideal for screening, avenues, specimen planting, and large gardens. Well suited to New Zealand conditions, Podocarpus gracilior (Fern Pine) provides year round structure, beauty, and long lasting landscape value.

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. Suitable for larger gardens, parks, and avenue planting, Melia azedarach (Bead Tree, White Cedar) is an impressive specimen tree that combines ornamental beauty with reliable performance.

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
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
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$38.57
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$50.99
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
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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$13.40
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
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
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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$13.40
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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$387.55
acer-princeton-gold-
Acer platanoides Princeton Gold (Princeton Gold Maple Tree)

Acer platanoides Princeton Gold is a variety of the commonly known, Plane-Leaved Maple, and is a medium sized tree with fantastic foliage. The leaves...

From$349.95
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
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 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$13.40
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
cedrela-sinensis-flamingo-7
Cedrela sinensis 'Flamingo' (Toon Tree)

Cedrela sinensis 'Flamingo' (Toon Tree) is a spectacular deciduous tree prized for its striking flushes of vibrant pink foliage that mature through...

From$28.91
magnolia-liliiflora-nigra-1
Magnolia liliiflora Nigra (Magnolia Tree Nigra)

Magnolia liliiflora Nigra, commonly known as Black Lily, is a stunning tree that bears masses of large and showy, purple flowers from late winter...

From$270.40
magnolia-margaret-helen-
Magnolia Margaret Helen (Magnolia Tree Margaret Helen)

Magnolia Margaret Helen is a deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, rose-pink flowers through late winter and early spring. These are...

From$387.55
magnolia-strawberry-fields-1
Magnolia Strawberry Fields (Strawberry Fields Magnolia Tree)

Magnolia Strawberry Fields is a stunning deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, semi-double, deep red flowers through late winter and...

From$515.35
ulmus-lobel-
Ulmus Lobel (Dutch Elm Tree)

Ulmus Lobel is a variety of Dutch Elm tree grown for its colourful foliage and narrow form. The leaves emerge a fresh green colour in spring, age to...

From$557.95
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Magnolia Deryk (Magnolia Tree Deryk)

Magnolia Deryk is a deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, dark red-purple flowers from late winter until early spring. The flowers are...

From$387.55
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Tree Guards (Tree Guards)

Our tree guards and plant shelters are bio-degradable products that are perfect for using in riparian areas and other exposed positions. They are...

From$5.00
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Jute Tree Tie

The Jute Tree Tie is non-abrasive and very popular because it wont cause tree damage. The 50 mm wide fabric is heavy duty and designed to support...

From$64.67
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
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Cloth Tree Tie

These soft ties are used for trees, tomatoes, and other plants you wish to keep securely fastened without causing any damage to the plant. Each roll...

From$9.28
Podocarpus gracilior (African Fern Pine)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Albizia, Daphniphyllum, and Fraxinus, or related Categories - General Garden Fertiliser, Indoor Plants, 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.

While Chamaemelum nobile (Chamomile) and Arthropodium cirratum (Rengarenga Lily) often steal the spotlight, charming plants like Feijoa 'Unique', Phormium 'Veneer', and Cordyline Broadsword quietly shine in any garden.
–The Plant Company

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