About
Blechnum novae-zelandiae is a perennial fern characterized by its short, creeping rhizomes. It produces large, bright green, wavy leaflets on drooping sterile fronds. The new growth can exhibit hues ranging from orange to deep red. In contrast, the upright fertile fronds display narrower leaflets that curl and darken to black as the spores mature.
About the genus
Blechnum consists primarily of evergreen ferns characterized by upright or spreading rhizomes. The fronds are typically simple and pinnate, with fertile fronds standing upright while the sterile ones tend to spread out.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full shade, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Clay, Sand, Chalk
- Soil pH
- Neutral, Acid, Alkaline
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, East-facing, North-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
- Plant type
- Ferns
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Evergreen, Semi evergreen
- Height
- 1-1.5 metres
- Spread
- 1-1.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden
- Native to
- New Zealand, Chatham Is., Kermadec Is.
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in moist but free draining soil in lightly shaded sites or in full sun if given plenty of moisture. Tolerant of dry shade but water regularly in their first season and mulch well. For more information see how to grow ferns for further advice
- Pruning
- Generally not necessary but can remove damaged or old fronds in spring if required.
- Propagation
- Propagate by division or spores
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free