Back to Ground Ferns
Hounds Tongue (Zealandia pust subsp pustulata)
Superb ground-cover fern. Has striking smooth green fronds giving gardens a tropical appearance. Its creeping rhizome will grow over anything. Very adaptable and can handle dry shade once established.
Hardy.
Frond length = 10-60cm.
Related products
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.
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.
Kiwakiwa Star Fern (Cranfillia fluviatilis)
Decorative and beautiful species with a low spreading habit. Erect rhizome. Easily cultivated as long as a protected moist spot is found. Great ground cover suited to group plantings.
Filtered light. Hard.
Frond length = 20-50cm.
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.