Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

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.

schefflera-actinophylla--1

Schefflera actinophylla

Schefflera actinophylla (Umbrella Tree) is a striking evergreen tree admired for its large glossy leaves that radiate like the spokes of an umbrella. Its lush tropical appearance makes it a popular feature tree for warm New Zealand gardens and a dramatic indoor specimen when young.

From $199.95

Suited to regions: Subtropical
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 8.00 m
Spread: 4.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Garden uses: Containers, Parks, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Tropical
pinus-pinea-1

Pinus pinea

Pinus pinea (Pine Nut) is a distinctive evergreen conifer admired for its broad umbrella shaped canopy, long green needles, and edible pine nuts. This Mediterranean pine adds year round structure and character to New Zealand landscapes while thriving in sunny coastal and rural environments.

From $270.40

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Nut Trees
Height: 10.00 m
Spread: 6.00 m
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy
Garden uses: Screening
Garden styles: Backyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese
An Asplenium bulbiferum (Hen and Chicken Fern) growing in a shaded postion and displaying lush, green fronds.
Asplenium bulbiferum (Hen And Chicken Fern)

Asplenium bulbiferum, commonly known as the Hen and Chicken Fern or Pikopiko Fern, is a popular NZ native prized for its lush, arching fronds and...

From$26.15
schefflera-arboricola-
Schefflera arboricola

Schefflera arboricola (Dwarf Umbrella Tree) is a popular evergreen plant valued for its lush foliage, attractive growth habit, and versatility. The...

From$19.95
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...

From$17.25
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$38.57
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
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...

From$270.40
Metrosideros excelsa (Pohutukawa) specimen tree with masses of red flowers in a coastal location.
Metrosideros excelsa (Pōhutukawa)

Metrosideros excelsa, commonly known as Pōhutukawa or the New Zealand Christmas Tree, is a coastal evergreen renowned for its brilliant red flowers...

From$24.15
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
Disphyma australe pink flowers and fleshy, green leaves.
Disphyma australe (NZ Ice Plant)

Disphyma australe, commonly known as NZ Ice Plant, is a hardy and attractive groundcover valued for its fleshy, bright green foliage and striking...

From$14.95
Libertia grandiflora plant with elegant white flowers and lush, dark green foliage.
Libertia grandiflora (NZ Iris)

Libertia grandiflora, commonly known as NZ Iris, is a hardy New Zealand native perennial admired for its elegant white flowers and sword like green...

From$16.50
pteris-cretica-
Pteris cretica (Cretan Brake Fern)

Pteris cretica (Cretan Brake Fern) is an elegant evergreen fern prized for its graceful arching fronds and lush green foliage. It is an excellent...

OUT OF STOCK
polystichum-braunii-4
Polystichum braunii (Brauns Holly Fern)

Polystichum braunii is a graceful evergreen fern admired for its finely divided dark green fronds and elegant arching growth habit. This attractive...

OUT OF STOCK
Adiantum cunninghamii ferns with short fronds bearing small, green leaves.
Adiantum cunninghamii (New Zealand Maidenhair Fern)

Adiantum cunninghamii is a graceful NZ native maidenhair fern prized for its finely divided fronds and soft, airy appearance. With delicate leaflets...

OUT OF STOCK
Asplenium obtusatum ferns in a shade garden and featuring lush, green fronds.
Asplenium obtusatum (Spleenwort Fern)

Asplenium obtusatum is a robust NZ native fern admired for its thick leathery fronds and compact upright habit. Well suited to coastal and forest...

OUT OF STOCK
Asplenium nidus-avis fern in a native reserve and featuring long, green fronds.
Asplenium nidus avis (Birds Nest Fern)

Asplenium nidus avis is a bold bird nest style fern known for its wide glossy fronds that radiate from a central rosette. Its architectural form...

OUT OF STOCK
doodia-australis-2
Doodia australis (Rasp Fern)

Doodia australis is a hardy evergreen fern admired for its fresh bronze red new fronds that mature to rich green, creating year round texture and...

OUT OF STOCK
Rumohra adiantiformis ferns in a woodland garden.
Rumohra adiantiformis (Leatherleaf Fern)

Rumohra adiantiformis, commonly known as Leatherleaf Fern, is a resilient evergreen fern prized for its glossy, leathery fronds and adaptability to...

OUT OF STOCK
platycerium-bifurcatum-netherlands-
Platycerium bifurcatum Netherlands (Elkhorn Fern)

Platycerium bifurcatum 'Netherlands' is a striking ornamental fern admired for its dramatic antler shaped fronds and unique architectural form...

OUT OF STOCK
Blechnum fraseri fern with lush, green fronds.
Blechnum fraseri (Miniature Tree Fern)

Blechnum fraseri is a distinctive NZ native fern admired for its upright, leathery fronds and strong architectural form. This hardy species thrives...

OUT OF STOCK
A large Asplenium australasicum (Birds Nest Fern) with lush green fronds in a native garden.
Asplenium australasicum (Birds Nest Fern)

Asplenium australasicum, commonly known as the Bird’s Nest Fern, is a striking tropical fern with large, upright, leathery fronds that form a broad...

OUT OF STOCK
doodia-aspera-
Doodia aspera (Prickly Rasp Fern)

Doodia aspera is an attractive evergreen fern valued for its finely divided fronds and colourful bronze red new growth that gradually matures to deep...

OUT OF STOCK
Adiantum hispidulum (Rough Maidenhair Fern) with slender, green fronds.
Adiantum hispidulum (Rough Maidenhair Fern)

Adiantum hispidulum, commonly known as the Rough Maidenhair Fern or Rosy Maidenhair Fern, is a NZ native that features short and showy fronds. Young...

OUT OF STOCK
Adiantum formosum fern in a shade garden and featuring slender, green fronds.
Adiantum formosum (Giant Maidenhair Fern)

Adiantum formosum (Giant Maidenhair Fern) is a striking fern admired for its tall, elegant fronds and delicate leaf structure held on fine black...

OUT OF STOCK
A Cyathea smithii tree fern in a native reserve.
Cyathea smithii (Ponga Fern)

Cyathea smithii, commonly known as Ponga Tree or Soft Tree Fern, is a beautiful New Zealand native fern admired for its graceful fronds and soft...

OUT OF STOCK
Athyrium Silver Falls plants in a garden with lush, silver leaves.
Athyrium niponicum 'Silver Falls' (Japanese Fern Plant)

Athyrium niponicum 'Silver Falls' is a striking deciduous fern admired for its finely divided silver grey fronds accented with green veins and subtle...

OUT OF STOCK
Cyathea cunninghamii tree ferns.
Cyathea cunninghamii (Slender Tree Fern)

Cyathea cunninghamii, commonly known as the Gully Tree Fern, produces a tall and slender, brown trunk and can grow up to 15 m tall with a spread of 6...

OUT OF STOCK
Athyrium okanum green foliage.
Athyrium Okanum' (Japanese Painted Fern Plant)

Athyrium 'Okanum' is a highly ornamental fern admired for its elegant arching fronds and distinctive foliage colouring. The finely textured leaves...

OUT OF STOCK
Cyperus papyrus plant.
Cyperus papyrus (Umbrella Papyrus)

Cyperus papyrus (Egyptian Papyrus) is a striking architectural water plant admired for its tall stems topped with graceful umbrella shaped foliage...

OUT OF STOCK
Athyrium niponicum fern.
Athyrium niponicum (Painted Fern)

Athyrium niponicum, commonly known as the Japanese Painted Fern, is a stunning deciduous fern prized for its delicate silver grey fronds highlighted...

OUT OF STOCK
Davallia solida (Rabbit Foot Fern) plant with lush, green fronds.
Davallia solida (Rabbits Foot Fern)

Davallia solida (Rabbit Foot Fern) is a charming fern recognised for its soft, lacy fronds and furry rhizomes that creep gracefully over the soil...

OUT OF STOCK
Schefflera actinophylla

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Asplenium, Cyperus, and Metrosideros, or related Categories - Ground Fern, Grasses, and Indoor Plants.

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.

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.
Duranta Geisha Girl and Chlorophytum comosum variegatum (Spider Plant) may be the stars of the show, but unsung heroes like Viburnum davidii (male), Azalea 'Brides Bouquet', and Fuchsia 'Carn Brea' deserve a moment in the sun.
–The Plant Company

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.8

445 Google reviews