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

Blechnum discolor

Blechnum discolor (Crown Fern) is a hardy NZ native fern admired for its upright fronds, tidy crown forming habit, and lush evergreen presence. It thrives in shaded and semi shaded gardens where it adds natural texture and structure. Ideal for woodland plantings, native landscapes, and underplanting trees, Blechnum discolor brings year round beauty while maintaining a compact and easily managed form that suits both home gardens and large plantings.

Buy Blechnum discolor

From $28.28

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate

Plant type: Ferns

Height: 50 cm

Spread: 80 cm

Tolerances: Shade

Garden uses: Banks, Borders, Containers, Living areas, Parks, Paths & Steps, Ponds, Pool areas, Specimen

Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Modern, Native, Woodland

Podocarpus gracilior (African Fern Pine)

Podocarpus gracilior, commonly known as the African Fern Pine, Fern Podocarpus, carries soft, weeping, deep green foliage held on rigid branches. It typically grows to 20 m tall and 10 m wide but can easily be contained with trimming. Podocarpus gracilior makes a lovely shade tree, specimen, screen, or hedge. It also suits being included in a mixed planting in a large garden and or being used in an avenue planting.

Buy Podocarpus gracilior (African Fern Pine)

From $299.92

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: Avenues, Hedging, Parks, Screening, Specimen

Garden styles: Alpine, Coastal, Formal, Mediterranean

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.