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

tall fern plant

When you’re searching for the perfect tall fern plant to create dramatic, lush greenery in your garden or home, look no further than New Zealand’s favourite selection of ferns. Tall fern plants are prized for their graceful, architectural fronds and ability to add privacy, shade, and a tropical vibe to any landscape. Whether you’re after a statement indoor plant or a dense outdoor feature, our vast range of fern varieties guarantees you’ll find the ideal tall fern plant to suit your needs and the local Kiwi climate.

Blechnum novae-zelandiae

Blechnum novae-zelandiae (Kiokio) is a bold and dramatic NZ native fern known for its long, arching fronds and strong presence in shaded garden areas. New growth often emerges with reddish tones before maturing to rich green, giving this fern year round visual interest. Thriving in moist, sheltered environments, Kiokio is ideal for native plantings, woodland gardens, and creating natural, forest like layers in NZ landscapes.

Buy Blechnum novae-zelandiae

From $25.58

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate

Plant type: Ferns

Height: 1.00 m

Spread: 2.00 m

Tolerances: Hardy, Shade

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

Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Modern, Native, Riparian, 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

Why Choose a Tall Fern Plant?

Tall fern plants make a striking addition to gardens, patios, and large indoor spaces. Their height and lush fronds create instant impact, providing both beauty and practical benefits like screening and wind protection. Depending on the variety, tall ferns work well as feature specimens, background plants for mixed borders, or as calming greenery around water features. Their natural resilience and shade tolerance mean that tall ferns are perfect options for both sun-dappled spots and shady corners where other plants struggle.

Popular Tall Fern Plant Varieties

At our New Zealand nursery, we offer a diverse range of tall fern plants to suit every location and design style.

For soft, feathery foliage and impressive height, the Podocarpus gracilior (African Fern Pine) is a top choice. Standing tall with elegant, fern-like leaves, this variety is cherished for its fast growth and adaptability as a striking screening tree or hedge.

The Asplenium bulbiferum (Hen And Chicken Fern) is another popular fern known for its arching, vibrant green fronds. It thrives in moist, shady spots and can reach a remarkable size in ideal conditions, making it both an attractive and functional addition to large garden spaces.

Other Ferns Worth Discovering

If you’re exploring ferns beyond the tall varieties, don’t miss the unique colours and textures available. The Athyrium Okanum (Japanese Painted Fern Plant) stands out with its silvery foliage tinged with purple—perfect for adding a soft accent under trees or in shaded borders.

For modern indoor settings, consider the Phlebodium aureum Blue Star (Blue Star Fern), renowned for its blue-green, wavy fronds and air-purifying qualities. The Davallia fejeensis (Rabbits Foot Fern) brings intrigue with its furry rhizomes, making it an eye-catching choice for hanging baskets or decorative pots.

Care Tips for Tall Fern Plants

Tall fern plants are generally low-maintenance when planted in the right spot. Most thrive best in dappled shade with well-drained, humus-rich soil and regular watering to keep their roots cool and moist. Protecting them from strong winds and direct midday sun will keep their fronds lush and healthy. A yearly application of mulch and a slow-release fertiliser can ensure vigorous growth and vibrant colour.

Incorporate Tall Ferns in Your Garden

No matter the size of your outdoor space or the style you want to achieve, a tall fern plant is a superb way to add instant greenery, create garden layers, or soften hard landscaping. With a wide variety of resilient and beautiful ferns from New Zealand growers, you’ll enjoy a thriving, lush retreat all year round. Explore our range and find your perfect tall fern plant today.

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.