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miniature tree fern

Discover the beauty and versatility of the miniature tree fern—a charming choice for New Zealand gardens seeking a lush, subtropical vibe without overwhelming smaller spaces. Perfect for patio pots, shaded courtyards, or woodland borders, the miniature tree fern offers an elegant solution for those craving the graceful look of ferns in a compact form. Whether you're a seasoned plant lover or a beginner gardener, these diminutive tree ferns bring easy-care, evergreen excitement to your landscape. Read on to find out how the miniature tree fern can transform your garden and which varieties are best suited to Aotearoa’s unique climate.

podocarpus-gracilior-

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.

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
robinia-frisia-1

Robinia Frisia

Robinia Frisia, commonly known as the Golden Robinia, features fern-like foliage that emerges light yellow-green in spring, ages to become green-yellow, then turns bright yellow in autumn before falling. Clusters of fragrant, white flowers are borne from late spring through summer and add extra interest to this tree. It will reach 12 m tall and 6 m wide. Robinia Frisia is commonly grown as a specimen, used in avenue plantings, planted to border an entrance, or grown to provide summer shade.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 12.00 m
Spread: 6.00 m
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Garden uses: Avenues, Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Japanese, Modern
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$37.73
podocarpus-macrophyllus-maki-1

Podocarpus Maki (Fern Pine)

Podocarpus macrophyllus Maki, commonly known as Shrubby Yew Tree, Chinese Podocarpus, or Shrubby Podocarpus, produces dense, dark green leaves, with...

From$205.02
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$358.98
Davallia fejeensis fern.

Davallia fejeensis  (Rabbits Foot Fern)

Davallia fejeensis is a distinctive fern admired for its finely cut fronds and furry rhizomes that cascade beautifully over pots and ledges. Popular...

From$32.33
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$33.68
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$306.09
daphniphyllum-macropodum-3

Daphniphyllum macropodum

Daphniphyllum macropodum is a truly impressive evergreen tree. The young growth in spring resembles masses of miniature Cycads and has red hues...

From$343.89
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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$12.50
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Cedrela sinensis Flamingo (Toon Tree)

Cedrela sinensis Flamingo is a highly colourful, deciduous tree featuring bright, salmon-pink foliage in spring which ages to cream-yellow, and then...

From$28.28
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Hosta Dew Drop

Hosta Dew Drop is a miniature variety that has dark green leaves with a white edge. The foliage is complemented with lilac-coloured flowers through...

From$24.23
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Hosta Blue Mouse Ears

Hosta Blue Mouse Ears is a miniature variety that features blue-green leaves with a powdery appearance. The foliage is complemented with...

From$24.23
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Schefflera arboricola (Dwarf Umbrella Tree)

The Schefflera arboricola plant, commonly known as the Dwarf Umbrella Tree, is an evergreen shrub commonly grown as a houseplant. The foliage is mid...

From$26.93
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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$343.89
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Magnolia Amethyst Flame (Amethyst Flame Magnolia Tree)

Magnolia Amethyst Flame is a smaller tree that bears masses of large and showy, bright red-purple flowers in late winter and early spring on the...

From$299.92
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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$12.50
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Crassula ovata (Money Tree)

Crassula ovata is a versatile plant ideal for New Zealand gardens, offering unique features and easy care.

From$28.28
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$97.13
Melia azedarach tree.

Melia azedarach (Bead Tree)

Melia azedarach, commonly known as Bead Tree, White Cedar or Persian Lilac, is a fast-growing deciduous tree admired for its feathery foliage and...

From$343.89
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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$299.92
Ginkgo Ming Princess small tree.

Ginkgo Ming Princess

Ginkgo Ming Princess is a miniature variety of Ginkgo biloba and is grown for its colourful foliage and variable growth habit. The rich green leaves...

From$299.92
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Chiranthodendron pentadactylon (Monkeys Hand Tree)

Commonly known as the Monkeys Hand Tree, this is an evergreen tree grown for its flowers and stature. Amidst the lush, green foliage are borne showy...

From$146.79
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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$4.20
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Schinus molle (California Pepper Tree)

Schinus molle, commonly known as the California Pepper Tree, is an evergreen tree grown for its attractive form and foliage. The leaves are bright...

From$299.92
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Magnolia JC Williams (Magnolia Tree JC Williams)

Magnolia JC Williams bears masses of large and showy, rose-purple flowers through late winter and early spring. These are borne on the naked stems...

From$343.89
sequoiadendron-giganteum-

Sequoiadendron giganteum (Sequoia gigantea Tree)

Sequoiadendron giganteum, commonly known as the Giant Redwood, is a large, evergreen tree and aptly named for its red coloured wood. It features...

From$299.92
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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$53.65
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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$343.89
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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$343.89
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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$343.89
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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$12.50
Podocarpus gracilior (African Fern Pine)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Albizia, Asplenium, Cedrela, Chiranthodendron, Crassula, Dacrydium, Daphniphyllum, Davallia, Ginkgo, Hosta, Jacaranda, Magnolia, Melia, Phlebodium, Podocarpus, Robinia, Schefflera, Schinus, Sequoiadendron Sorbus and Ulmus, or related Categories - Tree ties, General Garden Fertiliser, Palm Tree Fertiliser, Plant Guards, Ground Fern, Indoor Plants, Perennials, Deciduous Shrubs, Evergreen Shrubs, Succulents, Deciduous Trees Evergreen Trees and Magnolia Trees.

Search miniature tree fern

What is a Miniature Tree Fern?

A miniature tree fern typically refers to varieties of ferns that develop a small trunk and maintain a compact stature. Unlike their towering relatives, these ferns fit beautifully in smaller gardens, shady corners, or even indoors in larger containers. Their elegant fronds arch delicately from a neat central base, providing structure, texture, and vibrant greenery all year round.

For those specifically searching for a classic option, the Blechnum fraseri (Miniature Tree Fern) thrives in New Zealand’s mild, moist climates. Its neat size and tolerance for local conditions make it a favourite among home gardeners and landscapers aiming for low-maintenance, high-impact greenery.

Choosing the Right Miniature Tree Fern

When selecting a miniature tree fern, consider where you’ll plant it and the look you want to achieve. Ferns in this category not only fit well in small outdoor spaces but can also be grown in larger decorative pots for patios and indoor environments. The Blechnum fraseri (Miniature Tree Fern) remains the top pick for a genuine miniature tree fern experience, reaching around one metre high, providing just enough trunk for classic tree fern stature without taking over.

Another excellent choice is Blechnum 'Silver Lady' (Dwarf Tree Fern), celebrated for its delicate silver-green fronds and ability to thrive in sheltered courtyards. If you have space for a slightly taller but still slender fern, consider planting the Cyathea cunninghamii (Slender Tree Fern), which offers a similar elegant habit in a more upright form.

How to Grow and Care for Your Miniature Tree Fern

Miniature tree ferns love locations with filtered light and consistent moisture. Ideal spots include the sheltered south side of the house, under established trees, or beside water features. Regular watering is essential, especially during dry spells, as these plants do best in soil that is rich in organic matter and stays evenly moist—but never soggy.

Mulching in spring and autumn will help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Feed your miniature tree fern with a slow-release, organic fertiliser once in spring to support healthy growth. Protect young plants from frost until they establish a trunk—once established, most miniature forms tolerate light frosts.

Create a Lush Fernery

If you’re dreaming of a serene, fern-filled garden, combine your miniature tree fern with other tree ferns for layered texture and an exotic canopy effect. Integrate companions like the striking Cyathea cooperi (Australian Tree Fern) or underplant with flowering feature trees such as Robinia Frisia for a bold, seasonal contrast.

Embrace the miniature tree fern’s unique size and versatility to enhance outdoor living spaces, shaded pathways, balconies, or even indoor atriums. Their sophisticated presence and lush greenery add a tranquil touch to any Kiwi garden.


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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.

–The Plant Company

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