Dicksonia squarrosa

Tree Fern, NZ Wheki

The hardiest of the tree ferns available, this stunning NZ native is also the fastest growing. It is tolerant of a wider range of conditions and will tolerate some full sun, drier conditions and light winds. Quick to 'trunk' and with smaller fronds and spread it is popular in gardens requiring less space for establishment. Great for the smaller, shadier spots in the garden. Plant in a moist, humid shady position - plants will tolerate some full sun, but protect from strong afternoon sun. A low maintenance plant that looks great planted in groves.

4m x 1.5m

Blechnum gibbum

'Silver Lady'

This great NZ native fern will thrive indoors or out. It forms an upright growth habit which will develop a short trunk when mature and it is often called the dwarf tree fern. It is frost tender and prefers a warm, shady area and like most ferns it will require adequate moisture to thrive. Does well in shady corners or under established trees.

1m x 1m

Asplenium bulbiferum

Hen & Chicken Fern

One of our best known NZ native ground ferns. This clump forming fern with its graceful habit and attractive deep green feathery fronds is a real stunner. The common name stems from the tiny plantlets that arise along mature fronds that develop into separate plants. Quite fast growing and although frequently grown as an indoor plant, it makes a spectacular display outside in a shady, sheltered position in a moist, rich soil. Try planting underneath other natives or try in a tropical styled garden.

0.8m x 0.8m

Adiantum hispidulum

Rosy Maidenhair Fern

This delicate-looking NZ native is one of the most attractive groundcover ferns available and highly tolerant of a wide range of conditions. With tough dark-green hand-shaped fronds, the new growth is a contrasting rosy-pink. Makes an ideal candidate for shaded areas receiving filtered sunlight and thrives in damp, moist soils. Though looks best in sheltered places, this fern will tolerate exposed coastal conditions as long as the soil is damp. A frost hardy fern that will suit most garden settings. Try it planted amongst rocks and boulders or in a shady corner of the garden.

0.3m x 0.2m

Doodia media

Rasp Fern

A versatile ground fern that spreads well. The new fronds are bright bronzy-pink, which will gradually turn light green and eventually a dark green. Often all three different shades will occur at the same time, making a very attractive contrast. Though it is very hardy and can adapt to most situations, it will perform the best in light shade with evenly moist soil. If grown in bright areas, ensure that it is well mulched.

0.2m x 1m

Blechnum discolor

Crown Fern

This NZ native fern has bright green, upright fronds and will form a crown or shuttle-cock shape. This fern looks great when mass planted under trees or shady corners and is best suited to semi-shade and protected from hot afternoon sun. It can take some sun provided the soil is kept moist and well mulched. Over time, a short trunk will develop giving this plant the appearance of a dwarf tree fern.

1m x 1m

Cyathea medullaris

Mamaku; Black Tree Fern

This NZ native is possibly the most striking of all the tree ferns available with a slender, furry black trunk and lacy bright mid-green fronds held high above the forest canopy. Though ultimately reaching 20m in height in the wild, cultivated plants rarely reach these heights. Tree ferns do best in cool areas in shady spots or dappled light. Plant in deeply worked soil rich in compost and humus. Keep moist but well-drained and sheltered from prevailing winds - mulch well during summer. This fern adds a gracious touch to gardens, softening architectural lines and providing a distinctive NZ feel.

10m+ x 4m

Cyathea dealbata

Silver Tree Fern

This NZ native is a well-known icon and is probably the most widely grown of all of the NZ tree ferns due to it’s status as a national symbol adorned on everything from our netball team to our rugby team. The fronds of this variety will turn silvery-white on their underside as they age - hence the name. Not as fast growing as the Mamaku, but with a nicer shuttle-cock form. Best suited to partial shade and sheltered conditions away from strong drying winds.
10m x 3m

Dicksonia fibrosa

Wheki-ponga

The most attractive of the tree ferns available, this stunning NZ native forms a thick, basal trunk that is covered in a dense layer of fibrous roots. The spreading crown of fronds are lime green in colour and form a distinctive skirt encircling the trunk at maturity. Although this tree fern is slow growing, with plants growing 10cm height per annum, they form a tidier appearance than other tree ferns. Plant in a moist, humid shady position in the garden - plants will tolerate some full sun, but protect from strong afternoon sun.

5m x 2m