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umbrella fern nz

If you’re searching for the perfect lush groundcover to add a touch of native beauty to your New Zealand garden, umbrella fern NZ is an exceptional choice. This striking fern, with its soft, arching fronds radiating from a central point, brings elegant texture and vibrancy to shaded gardens, woodland areas, or damp banks. Well-loved for its unique umbrella-like shape, the umbrella fern thrives in New Zealand’s natural environments, making it an excellent selection for gardeners wanting to create or restore native landscapes, encourage biodiversity, and enjoy low-maintenance greenery year-round.

Cyperus ustulatus growing in water.

Cyperus ustulatus (Giant Umbrella Sedge)

Cyperus ustulatus, commonly known as the Giant Umbrella Sedge, is a large and robust NZ native grass. It grows as a clump and produces dark green leaves that have minute, sharp teeth along the margins. The foliage is complemented with green flowers in summer, which age to brown as it grows to 1.5 metres high and the same width. Cyperus ustulatus is commonly planted beside pools or streams, included in revegetation and riparian plantings, used in wetland gardens, or mass planted in areas where a hardy and aesthetic grass is required.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Grasses
Height: 1.50 m
Spread: 1.50 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wet, Wind
Garden uses: Banks, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native, Riparian
Achillea 'Anthea' yellow flowers.

Achillea Anthea

Achillea Anthea is a variety of commonly known, Yarrow or Milfoil, and is grown for its elegant sprays of umbrella shaped, lemon-yellow flowers. The flowers are borne through summer on long stems that rise above the narrow, grey-green, fern like foliage. It typically grows to 70 cm tall and 60 cm wide. Achillea Anthea is commonly used in border plantings, mixed plantings, cottage gardens, container plantings, or included anywhere the beauty of this plant can be enjoyed.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Perennials
Height: 70 cm
Spread: 60 cm
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Cottage, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
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...

From$37.73
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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...

From$299.92
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Schefflera actinophylla

The Schefflera actinophylla plant, commonly known as the Umbrella Tree or Umbrella Plant, is an evergreen tree that originates from rain forests. It...

From$311.73
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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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...

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Cyperus ustulatus (Giant Umbrella Sedge)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Achillea, Cyperus, Phlebodium, Podocarpus Schefflera and Sorbus, or related Categories - Grasses, Indoor Plants, Perennials, Evergreen Shrubs Deciduous Trees and Evergreen Trees.

Search umbrella fern nz

What is the Umbrella Fern?

The umbrella fern (Sticherus cunninghamii) is renowned among native fern enthusiasts for its graceful, layered form. As a hardy fern species indigenous to New Zealand, this plant flourishes in forest margins, moist spots, and semi-shaded locations. Its glossy, delicate fronds fan out in a horizontal fashion, mimicking the structure of an umbrella—hence its common name. The umbrella fern NZ makes a stunning visual statement alongside companion ferns and is particularly prized in naturalistic and native-inspired gardens.

How to Grow Umbrella Fern NZ

Perfect for beginners and seasoned gardeners alike, the umbrella fern NZ is relatively easy to cultivate with the right conditions:

It is also worth noting that the umbrella fern grows well with other native ferns for a textural woodland display. Consider pairing it with other favorites like Doodia australis (Rasp Fern) or Adiantum cunninghamii (New Zealand Maidenhair Fern) to mix frond shapes and lush greenery.

Using Umbrella Fern in Your NZ Garden

In New Zealand gardens, the umbrella fern adds elegance to shaded borders, understorey plantings, fern gardens, and even large containers. Its ability to spread gently—without becoming invasive—makes it suitable for mass planting or as a single specimen feature. Group with hardier species like Asplenium obtusatum (Spleenwort Fern) or the striking Doodia aspera (Prickly Rasp Fern) for year-round native interest. In damp, sheltered spots, the umbrella fern helps stabilise soil and brings a touch of true New Zealand bush to urban and rural landscapes alike.

Discover More Native Ferns for NZ

Ready to create your own woodland sanctuary? Explore our curated collection of ferns to complement your umbrella fern NZ planting scheme. Favourites like Asplenium nidus avis (Birds Nest Fern) add lush, architectural foliage and are perfect companion plants in moist, semi-shaded garden beds.

Bring home the beauty of native ferns with umbrella fern NZ and transform your outdoor space into a flourishing haven that attracts native birds and enhances the biodiversity of your garden.


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Corokia 'Frosted Chocolate' and Gardenia Veitchii may be the stars of the show, but unsung heroes like Boysenberry 'Tasman', Canna 'Ambassador', and Rhododendron Cunninghams White deserve a moment in the sun.
–The Plant Company

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