Back to Ground Ferns
Shining Spleenwort (Asplenium oblongifolium)
A regular and dramatic feature in our lowland native forest. A very adaptable fern that will grow under trees in a drier spot. Its beautiful fresh glossy fronds combined with its arching habit help make this fern a strong contender for your landscape.
Erect rhizome. Filtered light. Add humus to soil. Good in container. Hardy.
Frond length = 30-120cm.
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Little Hard-Fern (Austroblechnum penna-marina)
This accommodating fern will thrive in most places. It is found from coast to mountains, sun to shade. Its creeping rhizomes soon create a useful ground cover. With these hardy attributes and its bright rosy pink new growth, it can always find a place in the landscape.
Hardy.
Frond lenth - 5-30cm.
Crown Fern (Lomaria discolor)
Easily grown species. This fern's common name gives you some clue to its habit. It develops a "crown-like" formation of fronds on top of a small truck (caudex). Contrasting new and old fronds give it an interesting appearance. Crown fern is often seen in our bush in large colonies. Excellent for mass-plantings. Once established it will tolerate quite dry situations. Suits filtered light with good drainage.
Hardy.
Frond length = 50-100cm.
Prickly Shield Fern (Polystichum vestitum)
This very hardy and adaptable ground fern is a feature in many parts of NZ. Forms a small trunk and is noted for its strong flush of new fronds in the spring. Will grown from shade to full sun. Likes plenty of humus added to soil.
Hardy.
Front length = 50-120cm.
Kiokio (Parablechnum novae-zelandiae)
One of the most commonly seen ferns all over NZ. Its large arching green fronds coupled with delicate pink and red hues of new growth, make this a stunning fern for many situations. Looks great on banks and with its short-creeping rhizome will fill a big space over time. Suits shaded or exposed situations.
Hardy.
Frond length = 30-120cm.