Blechnum discolor

Upright, clump-forming fern that spreads by stolons to form large colonies. Reaches up to 0.5m - 1m.

Bright green, upright fronds, up to 1.2m long and 15cm wide, form a shuttlecock-shaped crown. The closely spaced, pointed leaflets are bright green above and paler below.
Older plants often have short trunks of up to 15-20cm in length. The fertile fronds start off a light green colour with a very slight orange tinge to the tips and then turn to a dark brown as the spores ripen. The fertile fronds are produced in numbers throughout spring and into the late summer months. The elegant vase-shaped array of erect sterile fronds forms the iconic shape of the crown.

It is hardy to approximately -6°C. It will thrive in semi-shaded areas. Will tolerate a sunny situation provided the soil is kept moist.

Always choose healthy, well-grown plants and plant after autumn rains. Before planting, ensure the root ball is saturated and remove the planter pot. Dig a hole twice the diameter of the root ball. Trim any broken roots and plant at the same level as in the container. Dig a hole twice the diameter of the root plant to plant in. Make sure plants are watered well until established if planting in a drier period. Plant with some general slow-release fertiliser. After this, apply organic fertiliser (such as blood and bone) at a handful per square metre in spring. Plant approximately 50cm apart. Container plants can be planted at any time of the year, as they require frequent watering.

Requires well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter. Mulching helps conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Organic materials, such as sawdust and bark, contribute to soil structure as they decompose. Keep mulch away from plant stems.

The root ball sometimes dries out despite the surrounding soil being moist. When this occurs, directly water down the plant stem to saturate the root ball. The first summer and autumn after planting are critical for young plants, so water thoroughly during dry periods. When grown in full sun and exposed conditions, the fronds can become windburnt.

Requires no major maintenance. Remove old fronds when they become unsightly.

In warm northern areas it is better to plant in drier conditions, as this fern can be prone to root rot.

Native Identification Trail

Blechnum discolor is endemic to New Zealand and can be found growing across the North and South Islands, as well as Chatham and Stewart Island. The species can be found growing in many of the forest types. It is usually found in drier forests from sea level to 900m. The name 'discolor' means 'of two different colours', referring to the contrasting greens and bronzes displayed by fertile and sterile fronds.