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ponga tree fern

The ponga tree fern is an iconic feature of New Zealand’s lush native bush, adding timeless elegance and natural beauty to gardens and landscapes across the country. Renowned for its striking fronds and sculptural trunks, the ponga tree fern (also known as Cyathea smithii or silver tree fern) is valued not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its ecological importance. Whether you’re planning a rainforest garden, adding a touch of the wild to your section, or seeking a shade-giving plant for a sheltered courtyard, the ponga tree fern is a beloved choice for seasoned gardeners and novices alike.

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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: 15.00 m
Spread: 6.00 m
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Hedging, Parks, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Coastal, Formal, Mediterranean
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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 scarlet berries, and colourful autumn foliage. It makes an outstanding feature tree for New Zealand gardens, attracting birds while providing year round seasonal interest.

From $387.55

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 9.00 m
Spread: 4.50 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
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Acer palmatum 'Senkaki'

Acer palmatum 'Senkaki', commonly known as the Coral Bark Japanese Maple, is a beautiful deciduous tree prized for its brilliant coral red branches...

From$299.95
Acer palmatum Hanami Nishiki tree with lush green foliage.
Acer palmatum 'Hanami Nishiki'

Acer palmatum 'Hanami Nishiki' is a beautiful Japanese Maple admired for its delicately variegated foliage that emerges with soft pink, cream, and...

From$399.95
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
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$37.19
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
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$183.51
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
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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
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
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
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
palm-tree-fertiliser-1
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
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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
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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
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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
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
fruiting-plant-fertiliser-
Fruit Tree Fertiliser

Fruit Tree Fertiliser is specially formulated to support healthy growth, strong root development, and productive fruiting in a wide range of fruit...

From$16.95
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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
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$270.40
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
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
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
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
cloth-tree-tie-
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
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
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
A Cyathea smithii tree fern in a native reserve.
Cyathea smithii (Ponga Fern)

Cyathea smithii, commonly known as Ponga Tree or Soft Tree Fern, is a beautiful New Zealand native fern admired for its graceful fronds and soft...

OUT OF STOCK
Dicksonia squarrosa (Punga) tree fern in a native reserve.
Dicksonia squarrosa (Wheki)

Dicksonia squarrosa, commonly known as Rough Tree Fern or Ponga, is a native New Zealand fern prized for its striking, upright trunk and lush...

OUT OF STOCK
Asplenium obtusatum ferns in a shade garden and featuring lush, green fronds.
Asplenium obtusatum (Spleenwort Fern)

Asplenium obtusatum is a robust NZ native fern admired for its thick leathery fronds and compact upright habit. Well suited to coastal and forest...

OUT OF STOCK
Cyathea cooperi tree fern.
Cyathea cooperi (Australian Tree Fern)

Cyathea cooperi, commonly known as the Australian Tree Fern, produces a tall and slender, brown trunk and can grow up to 15 m tall with a spread of 8...

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, Albizia, and Daphniphyllum, or related Categories - General Garden Fertiliser, Evergreen Shrubs, and Deciduous Trees.

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What is the Ponga Tree Fern?

The ponga tree fern, scientifically known as Cyathea smithii, is native to New Zealand and widely recognised for the silvery underside of its fronds, which capture and reflect light beautifully in shaded or woodland gardens. Typically growing to heights of 3-6 metres, the ponga tree fern creates an instant canopy effect, lending an authentic Kiwi forest atmosphere to any space. You’ll find its tall, fibrous trunks and graceful green crowns featured in gardens, parks, and reserves throughout Aotearoa.

How to Grow and Care for the Ponga Tree Fern

If you’re keen to introduce the ponga tree fern to your garden, select a sheltered site with dappled light and consistently moist, well-draining soil. These ferns thrive in the humid understorey conditions found in their native forests—so mulching around the base and regular watering, especially in dry spells, will keep your ponga healthy. Removing old, damaged fronds at the base keeps the plant tidy and encourages new growth. Avoid harsh afternoon sun or exposed, windy spots, as the delicate fronds can suffer from scorching and wind damage.

Landscaping with Ponga Tree Ferns

Whether used as a standalone feature or as part of a layered fern collection, the ponga tree fern makes a dramatic statement. Planted in groups or pairs, they create instant shade, habitat for birds, and a lush, tropical look beneath taller trees. The fibrous trunk can also be used to define pathways or soften hard landscaping elements. Pair your ponga with NZ natives such as groundcover ferns and shade-tolerant shrubs for a seamless woodland effect.

For more fern inspiration, consider complementing your ponga tree fern with other unique species such as Asplenium obtusatum (Spleenwort Fern) for low-growing textures or the Australian cousin Cyathea cooperi (Australian Tree Fern) for a taller, fast-growing canopy. For contrasting, fern-like foliage with a piney twist, explore Podocarpus gracilior (African Fern Pine) or the compact Podocarpus Maki (Fern Pine).

Shop for Ponga Tree Ferns

If you’re ready to bring a touch of the New Zealand bush to your landscape, browse our range of true native ferns. Our expertly grown Cyathea smithii (Ponga Fern) is available to order for adaptable, easy additions to your garden. Enrich your space with a ponga tree fern and enjoy year-round green foliage that evokes the essence of Aotearoa’s forests right outside your door.

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.
Gardeners love Griselinia 'Broadway Mint' and Griselinia 'Canterbury', but there’s a growing buzz around plants like Helleborus 'White Picotee', Olive 'Leccino', and Prunus 'Kiku Shidare Zakura'.
–The Plant Company

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