small ferns nz

Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
Price range: Contact Us
Rating: 4.8/5

Looking for small ferns NZ gardeners love? In New Zealand, small ferns are a charming addition to home gardens, patios, or shaded spots, offering lush texture and vibrant greenery without overwhelming your space. Whether you have a compact backyard, want to create a tranquil indoor oasis, or need accent plants for a shady border, small ferns NZ are the perfect solution. With their delicate fronds and easy-to-maintain nature, these petite plants provide the beauty and spirit of native bush, fit for modern urban living, apartments, and traditional Kiwi gardens alike.

Leptinella dioica (Bachelors Buttons)

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Leptinella dioica (aka Cotula dioica), commonly known as Bachelors Buttons, is an herbaceous perennial native to New Zealand. It is a creeping and somewhat fleshy plant that bears small and green, fern-like leaves with a touch of bronze. Small, yellow flowers are borne through spring and summer amidst the foliage as it grows to 10 cm tall and 70 cm wide. Leptinella dioica is a great plant to use as a low groundcover, for planting between rocks and pavers, using in tropical gardens, or planting around pool areas.

Buy Leptinella dioica (Bachelors Buttons)

From $18.23

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Groundcover Plants

Height: 10 cm

Spread: 70 cm

Flowering time: Spring, Summer

Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy

Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Ground covering, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Ponds

Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Modern, Native, Rock, Tropical

Acer 'Mikawa Yatsubusa' specimen tree with lush, green foliage.

Acer palmatum 'Mikawa Yatsubusa'

Acer palmatum 'Mikawa Yatsubusa' is a sought-after dwarf Japanese Maple prized for its dense, layered foliage and elegant form. Its small, overlapping green leaves create a unique, architectural appearance that turns fiery shades of red and orange in autumn. Compact and slow-growing, this variety is perfect for pots, courtyards, and small NZ gardens where a refined and striking feature tree is desired.

Buy Acer palmatum 'Mikawa Yatsubusa'

From $450.68

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Trees

Height: 1.50 m

Spread: 1.00 m

Garden uses: Containers, Living areas, Parks, Specimen

Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Rock

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acer, Buxus, Leptinella, Ligularia, Phlebodium, Pittosporum, Podocarpus Sophora and Sorbus, or related Categories - Groundcover Plants, Indoor Plants, Perennials, Evergreen Shrubs, Deciduous Trees Evergreen Trees and Maple Tree.

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Why Choose Small Ferns NZ?

Small ferns NZ thrive in our temperate climate and are naturally suited to the shady, humid conditions that many gardeners can offer. Their modest size means they won’t crowd out other plants, making them an excellent choice for layering, container gardening, or filling narrow spaces. Many varieties are native or well-adapted to New Zealand, blending seamlessly with our garden environments and supporting local biodiversity.

Top Small Ferns for New Zealand Gardens

When searching for small ferns NZ, you’ll find a range of species—from native treasures to unique exotics—ideal for the home gardener:

Blechnum fraseri (Miniature Tree Fern): This New Zealand native is prized for its compact form, reaching around 1 metre tall. It’s ideal for adding a touch of bush elegance to small spaces or shaded corners.
Davallia mariesii (Squirrels Foot Fern): Loved for its soft, lacy foliage and quirky furry rhizomes, this fern stays petite and adapts well to pots, hanging baskets, or terrariums.
Blechnum 'Silver Lady' (Dwarf Tree Fern): Featuring bright green, feathery fronds, this dwarf tree fern makes a fantastic indoor feature or standout border plant.
Cyathea cunninghamii (Slender Tree Fern): Although slender, this tree fern stays relatively contained compared to other giants, lending height without overwhelming its surroundings.
Cyathea smithii (Ponga Fern): The iconic ponga fern can be grown in smaller spaces when young, giving you the classic New Zealand look on a manageable scale.

Planting and Caring for Small Ferns NZ

Small ferns NZ typically prefer shaded conditions and moist, well-draining soil. Incorporate organic matter to keep their roots happy, and mulch to retain moisture. For potted ferns, place them in filtered light with regular watering—never letting them dry out completely. Ferns are ideal for filling gaps beneath trees, edging paths, or adding vitality to interior décor. Their compact size means they rarely need pruning, just occasional trimming of old fronds.

Small Ferns NZ: Perfect for All Spaces

Whether you're updating your landscape or seeking an elegant indoor plant, small ferns NZ offer endless possibilities. From native species like Blechnum fraseri (Miniature Tree Fern) to striking forms like Davallia mariesii (Squirrels Foot Fern), these ferns transform any space with greenery and a sense of calm. Explore our selection and bring the beauty of New Zealand’s forests home, no matter your garden’s size.

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.