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rough tree fern

Are you searching for the rough tree fern to introduce lush, prehistoric beauty to your garden? This unique fern features a tall, rugged trunk with vibrant, arching fronds that create dense, green canopies. Ideal for shaded areas, damp woodland gardens, and tropical landscaping, rough tree ferns are highly prized by New Zealand gardeners for their resilience and striking appearance. Whether you’re drawn to their architectural structure or their ability to thrive in sheltered spots, rough tree ferns are a popular choice for transforming spaces with texture and greenery.

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
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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 wide. It grows best when positioned in partial shade on a well-drained soil in a sheltered spot. It will not tolerate wet growing conditions or frost.

From $38.57

Suited to regions: Subtropical
Plant type: Indoor Plants
Height: 30 cm
Spread: 30 cm
Tolerances: Shade
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Modern, Tropical
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
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
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
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
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$13.40
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
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$13.40
sorbus-scarlet-king-
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
Haworthia mirabilis 'Triebneriana' plant.
Haworthia mirabilis triebneriana (Haworthia mirabilis var Triebneriana)

Haworthia mirabilis Triebneriana is a small succulent that features rosettes of thick and fleshy leaves. The light green leaves with dark green...

From$15.11
A Quercus suber (Cork Oak) specimen tree.
Quercus suber

The Quercus suber tree is commonly known as the Cork Oak tree due to its rough and spongy bark, which is often used to produce corks. The Cork Oak...

From$192.51
haworthia-glabrata-
Haworthia Glabrata

Haworthia Glabrata is a small succulent that features rosettes of thick and fleshy leaves. The dark green leaves with silver lines have a rough...

From$17.87
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
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
emguard-biodegradable-plant-shelter-
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
Haworthia fasciata succulent growing in a pot.
Haworthia fasciata

Haworthia fasciata is a small succulent that features rosettes of thick and fleshy leaves. The dark green leaves with silver lines have a rough...

From$15.11
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
Tabebuia rosea tree with masses of pink flowers.
Tabebuia rosea (Pink Poui)

Tabebuia rosea is a spectacular flowering tree admired for its masses of soft pink trumpet shaped blooms that appear before the foliage in spring...

From$65.55
Haworthia resendeana plant.
Haworthia resendeana

Haworthia resendeana is a small succulent features thick and fleshy leaves on short stems. The dark green leaves have a rough texture and afford...

From$20.63
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
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
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
magnolia-deryk-2
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
jute-tree-tie-1
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
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
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
aloe-barberae-
Aloidendron barberae (Tree Aloe)

Commonly known as Tree Aloe, this is a large variety of Aloe that can reach 15 m tall and 3 m wide. This impressive tree forms a rounded crown of...

From$57.89
cloth-tree-tie-
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
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
Podocarpus gracilior (African Fern Pine)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Albizia, Jacaranda, and Melia, or related Categories - General Garden Fertiliser, Indoor Plants, and Evergreen Shrubs.

Search rough tree fern

What Makes the Rough Tree Fern Special?

The rough tree fern, distinguished by its coarse trunk, is native to Australasian forests and is celebrated for its impressive size and dramatic foliage. Younger fronds unfurl in intricate spirals, adding dynamic movement to your landscape. This fern prefers consistently moist, humus-rich soil and protection from harsh winds, making it perfect for spots where many typical nitrogen-fixers won’t thrive. In New Zealand gardens, rough tree ferns serve as a striking focal point and create habitat for native birds and insects. When properly cared for, these plants offer decades of evergreen splendor.

How to Grow and Care for Rough Tree Ferns

Planting a rough tree fern in your garden is easy and rewarding. Simply choose a shaded or semi-shaded location with well-draining soil, enriched with organic matter. Mulch generously around the trunk—but keep mulch away from the crown—to help retain moisture. Regular watering is essential, especially during dry spells. Rough tree ferns respond well to periodic feeding with slow-release, balanced fertiliser. While these ferns tolerate light frosts, they’ll benefit from protection in colder regions. For best results, avoid direct afternoon sun and ensure young plants are sheltered from strong winds.

Landscaping Ideas with Rough Tree Ferns

Rough tree ferns bring bold, vertical lines and dramatic foliage to garden spaces. Use them as specimen plants tucked among native shrubs and groundcovers for a natural, New Zealand bush-inspired look. Pairing rough tree ferns with other shade lovers—such as Adiantum hispidulum (Rough Maidenhair Fern), Doodia australis (Rasp Fern), or the elegant Cyathea cunninghamii (Slender Tree Fern)—creates layered interest and a lush, textured understorey. Those seeking a more exotic look might combine rough tree ferns with Cyathea cooperi (Australian Tree Fern) or even trees like the Podocarpus gracilior (African Fern Pine) for variety and added foliage colour.

Where to Find the Rough Tree Fern in New Zealand

If you’re on the lookout for the rough tree fern to add to your plant collection, explore our fern selection for expertly grown specimens and complementary shade plants. Our nursery specialises in healthy ferns and tree ferns suited to New Zealand conditions. Whether you are a seasoned collector or a passionate home gardener, the rough tree fern will anchor your green space, bringing mature beauty and a touch of the wild forest to your home.

Ready to bring home the rough tree fern? Discover our range of ferns and companion plants now for a garden that’s lush, layered, and uniquely yours.

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.
Our garden favourites Rhododendron 'Pawhuska' and Ficus pumila get lots of love, but don’t miss out on a few lesser-known delights: Camellia 'Les Jury', Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant), and Cupressus ovensii.
–The Plant Company

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