Blechnum minus

An evergreen, perennial, fern with arching fronds growing to 0.5m tall by 1m wide.

New fronds often have red tones especially when grown in open sites and stand upright. When more new fronds are produced, older ones arch over and mature to shiny deep green. Leaflets are slightly leathery, long and pointed. Fertile fronds are shorter. Fronds and stems are covered with brown hairs.

This fern is found in gullies and on streamsides in its natural habitat, so choose a moist site in either full sun to full shade as it will tolerate either.

Remove old fronds when they get tatty and die back. Mulch annually with an organic mulch to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Each spring apply an organic-based fertiliser such as blood and bone at a handful per square metre as new growth begins. With the help of a sharp spade, this plant can easily be divided to make new plants.

Usually trouble free.

Native Plant Ideas

Very similar to Blechnum novae-zelandiae but with smaller, delicate foliage.