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tree fern plant

The tree fern plant is a breathtaking addition to any garden, beloved for its striking, feathery fronds and graceful tree-like trunk. Native to New Zealand’s temperate forests, these ancient plants bring a sense of primeval beauty and lush greenery wherever they grow. Tree ferns are popular among gardeners looking to add structure and drama to shaded or semi-shaded spaces, thriving in the cool, moist environments that echo their natural habitat. Whether you’re a seasoned fern enthusiast or a beginner in plant care, growing a tree fern plant can transform your landscape into a unique, tranquil retreat.

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
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 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. This Fern makes for a fantastic potted plant but can also be grown outdoors in warmer climates. In such environments it is often planted around pool and other outdoor living areas. This is an easy plant to grow and very forgiving.

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 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
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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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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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Bergenia cordifolia (Pig Squeak Plant)

Bergenia cordifolia is a hardy evergreen perennial admired for its large glossy leaves and clusters of pink flowers in late winter and spring. This...

From$21.53
Stromanthe triostar plant.

Stromanthe Triostar (Stromanthe Plant)

Stromanthe Triostar is a popular indoor plant owing to its lush and colourful foliage. It features elegant, dark green, pink, and cream-coloured...

From$32.33
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Native Plant Fertiliser (Native Fertiliser)

Selecting the correct native plant fertiliser is essential as they often tend to be slow growing and so require a tailored nutrient plan to meet...

From$12.50
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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
Chlorophytum comosum variegatum plants growing in pots on a shelf.

Chlorophytum comosum variegatum (Spider Plant)

Chlorophytum comosum Variegatum, commonly known as the Spider Plant, is a tender, herbaceous perennial grown for its lush and variegated foliage. It...

From$19.58
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Aechmea fasciata (Urn Plant)

Aechmea fasciata is a colourful Bromeliad that features thick and leathery leaves that are striped with silver and dark green. They are borne as a...

From$43.13
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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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Chlorophytum Curly (Curly Spider Plant)

Chlorophytum Curly, commonly known as the Curly Spider Plant or Airplane plant, is a tender, herbaceous perennial grown for its lush, variegated, and...

From$21.53
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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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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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Indoor Plant Fertiliser (Indoor Plant Fertiliser)

All potted plants require indoor plant fertiliser. This is particularly important as many nurseries only put enough fertiliser in the pots to last...

From$12.50
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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
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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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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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
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Helichrysum petiolare (Licorice Plant)

Helichrysum petiolare, commonly known as the Licorice plant, is a popular, evergreen shrub that is often used as a groundcover. It produces long...

From$24.23
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
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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
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$432.79
A lush Coprosma repens shrub growing in a shaded position.

Coprosma repens (Mirror Plant)

Coprosma repens, also known as Taupata or Mirror Plant, is a robust New Zealand native shrub featuring lush, glossy green foliage. Growing up to 3...

From$21.53
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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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Perovskia atriplicifolia (Perovskia plant)

Perovskia atriplicifolia, commonly known as Russian Sage or Russian Lavender, is a small and erect shrub that is grown for its fine foliage and...

From$24.23
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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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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
A strong and studry planting spade.

Ace1 Planting Spade

The Ace 1 planting spade is a must for any gardener. This spade is designed so it can penetrate the ground easily without jarring the wrists in the...

From$158.00
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Indoor Plant Fertiliser Tablets (Fertilizer Tablets)

Indoor plants require feeding from the time you get them home as nurseries typically only put enough fertiliser in the pots to last 4-8 weeks after...

From$31.25
Podocarpus gracilior (African Fern Pine)

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You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Aechmea, Bergenia, Cedrela, Chiranthodendron, Chlorophytum, Coprosma, Dacrydium, Helichrysum, Liriodendron, Magnolia, Melia, Perovskia, Phlebodium, Podocarpus, Schefflera, Schinus, Sequoiadendron, Sorbus Stromanthe and Ulmus, or related Categories - General Garden Fertiliser, Indoor Plant Fertiliser, Native Plant Fertiliser, Palm Tree Fertiliser, Spades, Groundcover Plants, Indoor Plants, Perennials, Deciduous Shrubs, Evergreen Shrubs, Deciduous Trees Evergreen Trees and Magnolia Trees.

Search tree fern plant

Why Choose a Tree Fern Plant?

Tree ferns stand out not only for their architectural beauty but also for their resilience. These plants do exceptionally well in New Zealand’s climate, preferring sheltered positions with filtered light and regular watering. Their elegant, arching fronds provide excellent coverage and a lush canopy, making them ideal for understory planting or as a feature in fern gardens.

The tree fern plant is also a friend to native wildlife, offering shelter for birds and beneficial insects. As a low-maintenance option, they’re perfect for gardeners seeking a statement plant that doesn’t require frequent pruning or fuss. With proper care, a tree fern plant can thrive for decades, becoming a legacy plant in your garden.

Planting and Caring for Tree Ferns

To ensure your tree fern plant establishes well, choose a partially shaded spot with moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Before planting, soak the root ball thoroughly, and water regularly throughout the first growing season. Applying mulch will help retain soil moisture and keep the roots cool. Protect your tree fern plant from harsh winds and strong sunlight, which can scorch the delicate fronds.

Feeding your tree fern with a balanced, slow-release fertiliser during spring and summer encourages vigorous growth. Mist the foliage in dry periods, especially if grown indoors or in drier regions, to mimic its native, humid environment.

Companion Plants for a Lush Fern Garden

Pair your tree fern plant with other shade-loving favourites for a truly verdant scene. For interesting foliage textures, consider the Phlebodium aureum Blue Star (Blue Star Fern), known for its silvery blue leaves, or the Davallia fejeensis  (Rabbits Foot Fern), which boasts intriguing furry rhizomes. The graceful Asplenium bulbiferum (Hen And Chicken Fern) is another classic New Zealand fern that adds variety and thrive alongside tree ferns.

For structure and evergreen foliage outside the fern family, the Podocarpus gracilior (African Fern Pine) or Podocarpus Maki (Fern Pine) make excellent companions, blending seamlessly in subtropical or woodland gardens.

Bring Home the Beauty of a Tree Fern Plant

Embrace the unique charm and heritage of one of New Zealand’s most iconic plants with your very own tree fern plant. Whether for a shaded garden nook, a woodland border, or a lush indoor retreat, these timeless plants promise to turn any space into a peaceful oasis. Explore our full range of ferns and companion plants to design your perfect green sanctuary.


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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.

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