Blechnum novae-zelandiae
palm-leaf fern
An evergreen fern with short creeping rhizomes bearing large bright green, wavy leaflets on pendulous sterile fronds. Young growth is often orange to deep red. The erect, fertile fronds have leaflets greatly reduced in width which curl and turn black as the spores ripen
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Neutral, Acid, AlkalineColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Orange Red | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Bronze | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full shade
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Blechnaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen or Semi evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Blechnum are mostly evergreen ferns with erect or creeping rhizomes and simply pinnate, leathery fronds, the fertile ones usually erect, the sterile often spreading
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- New Zealand, Chatham Is., Kermadec Is.
How to grow
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
Propagation
Propagate by division or spores
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Low Maintenance
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Generally not necessary but can remove damaged or old fronds in spring if required.
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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