Parablechnum novae-zelandiae
Palm leaf fern
© Richie Steffen
Synonym:
Blechnum novae zelandiae
Fern Facts
Evergreen
Hardiness (USDA zones): 7-9
Size: 2' - 5'
Size (cm): 61cm-152cm
Height and Spread: Large - Over 3' in height or spread in 5 years
Garden Use: Ferns for color
Origin: New Zealand
Description
Large arching green once pinnate sterile fronds grow on slowly spreading rhizomes on tan stipes that are one fifth of the fronds length. New fronds can be slightly pink with red hues in the right growing conditions. Fertile fronds are more upright with feathery linear pinnate.
Give this fern space to grow. In moist conditions and it will fill in making a nice dense bed. Suited for part shaded gardens with morning sun or dappled shade. In more exposed situations give plenty of moister during the dry season. Protect young plants from freezing. Cut back old fronds in late winter to early spring before new fronds appear.