Ferns are found growing wild in most places on Earth, from the Arctic to the base of Ayers Rock, but most commonly in rainforests. Ferns are an ancient family and do not flower as they produce spore to reproduce. There are as many as 10,000 different species and of these only the best are grown for home gardeners.

We have a large range of ferns for indoors, shadehouses or shaded gardens with most ferns growing well in moist, well lit but shady areas.  Ferns are generally easy to grow but require adequate watering and regular feeding every couple of months with a good organic fertiliser. We can help you choose the right fern for your particular spot.

Tree ferns

The Tree ferns are the largest of the fern family. Most people know the Dicksonia 'Tasmanian tree fern' that you can buy as a stump and it will reshoot to be a stunning fern. These are readily available from us and range in height from about 50cm tall to 2 m tall, and they are also available in small pots. The other tree ferns from eastern Australia, Cyathea cooperi and Cyathea brownii, are popular varieties that will grow large very quickly and will take sun. One of the rare treeferns available is the Todea barbara- King Tree Fern, this is a beautiful treefern with a short, stocky habit with multiple heads giving it a bushy appearance. The trunk can grow to 1m x 1m with the fronds 1m above this. The fronds will grow quickly and the trunk will slowly grow and develop over the years. The King Tree Fern used to grow wild in the Mt Lofty area and is now on the endangered plant list with only a few small colonies remaining in its native habitat.

Maidenhair ferns

There are over 600 named varieties of Maidenhair ferns and this fern is great for a well lit area of your fernery or in a mixed hanging basket. Maidenhairs will also grow well indoors providing you keep them well watered and fertilised, and you can resist touching the delicate fronds all of the time.