Blechnum procerum
Crested Hard Fern, also known as Small Kiokio, is a distinctive creeping native fern that forms spreading ground cover colonies through short to long-creeping rhizomes up to 320mm long, creating elegant displays of strongly dimorphic fronds that range from 70mm to over 1 meter in length. The sterile fronds lie prostrate or semi-erect with 1-12 pairs of oblong pinnae featuring attractive bronze coloration when emerging, while the fertile fronds stand erectly with narrower pinnae and continuous sori along their margins, making this an excellent choice for naturalistic fern gardens. Found throughout New Zealand from coastal forests to subalpine environments up to 1375m altitude, this versatile groundcover fern thrives in open kauri, podocarp, broadleaved and beech forests, under mānuka and kānuka, in scrub, and among tussock grasslands, bringing authentic forest floor atmosphere to shaded gardens, ferneries, and woodland plantings while serving as an ideal native alternative to exotic groundcover ferns. native ferns
Image credit: Crested Hard Fern (Blechnum procerum). Wikipedia
| Scientific Name | Blechnum procerum (syn. Parablechnum procerum) |
|---|---|
| Height | 0.07-1.0 meters (dimorphic fronds) |
| Spread | 0.5-1.5 meters (creeping colonies) |
| Water Needs | High (consistent moisture preferred) |
| Light | Shade to dappled light |
| Frost Tolerance | Good (subalpine native) |
| Salt Tolerance | Low (forest species) |
| Growth Rate | Moderate (spreading colonies) |
| Lifespan | Long-lived perennial |
Crested Hard Fern thrives in New Zealand's temperate humid climates, performing best in areas with consistent moisture and good humidity. It adapts well to coastal through montane conditions where reliable moisture is available.
| City | Climate Suitability |
|---|---|
| Whangārei | Ideal |
| Auckland | Ideal |
| Hamilton | Ideal |
| Tauranga | Ideal |
| Rotorua | Ideal |
| Gisborne | Ideal |
| New Plymouth | Ideal |
| Napier | Good |
| Whanganui | Ideal |
| Palmerston North | Ideal |
| Wellington | Ideal |
| Nelson | Ideal |
| Christchurch | Good |
| Dunedin | Ideal |
| Invercargill | Good |
Crested Hard Fern prefers specific soil conditions:
Prefers shaded forest conditions:
High moisture needs:
Crested Hard Fern requires minimal maintenance:
The natural spreading habit and attractive dimorphic fronds should be preserved through minimal intervention for best ornamental effect.
The best time to plant Crested Hard Fern is during spring or early autumn when temperatures are moderate and moisture is naturally available.
Choose a site with:
Water regularly to maintain consistent soil moisture and provide protection from direct sunlight. This spreading fern will gradually establish colonies to create excellent native groundcover.
Growing from spores requires specialized techniques:
Division is the most practical propagation method:
Available from native fern specialists and forest plant nurseries. Particularly valued for creating authentic New Zealand forest floor environments.
Crested Hard Fern (Blechnum procerum) represents both the rich diversity of New Zealand's fern flora and the ecological complexity of forest understory environments:
Today, Crested Hard Fern serves as an excellent choice for gardeners seeking to recreate authentic New Zealand forest floor conditions, providing natural groundcover and ecological authenticity to shaded gardens and woodland plantings.
Provide appropriate shade, consistent moisture, and good air circulation. Control slugs and snails in garden settings. This naturally hardy fern thrives when cultural conditions match its forest habitat preferences.
Crested Hard Fern is perfect for creating authentic New Zealand fern meadows as groundcover - plant it in drifts under established trees to mimic natural forest conditions. The bronze color of emerging fronds is particularly beautiful in spring, so position it where this seasonal highlight can be appreciated. This creeping fern is excellent for filling large areas under native trees and creating that authentic forest floor atmosphere. Watch for the fascinating difference between the prostrate sterile fronds and the erect fertile fronds - it's a great example of dimorphic adaptation in New Zealand's native plants. The key to success is keeping it moist and shaded, just like its natural forest habitat.
These ferns share similar cultivation needs and pair well with Blechnum procerum in shaded, moisture‑retentive soils, creating layered, textural plantings reminiscent of New Zealand forest understories.
Learn more about New Zealand's forest heritage in Native Ferns.
Blechnum procerum (often treated as Parablechnum procerum) is a dimorphic hard‑fern with broad, often bronzy sterile fronds lying semi‑prostrate and narrower, erect fertile fronds. Plants spread by short creeping rhizomes to form colonies. Pinnae are leathery with continuous marginal sori on fertile fronds, giving a fine, ribbed underside.
Occurs from lowland to subalpine zones throughout much of Aotearoa New Zealand. Typical sites include damp forest margins, open scrub, seepage slopes, road cuttings, stream banks, and light gaps where filtered light and reliable moisture are available.
An effective early coloniser of disturbed, moist ground, building humus with persistent frond litter. Frond canopies reduce splash erosion and moderate soil temperatures. Spores disperse locally on dry days, allowing gradual infill of suitable microsites.
Provides ground cover and moisture retention in forest edges and riparian plantings, supporting detritivores and small invertebrates. Its tolerance of brighter conditions than many ferns makes it a useful bridge between shade and semi‑open habitats.
Incorporate leaf mould or compost before planting and maintain a 5–8 cm organic mulch. Water through the first 1–2 summers, then during extended dry spells. Feeding is rarely necessary; if fronds pale, apply a light slow‑release fertiliser in spring.
Remove spent or wind‑tattered fronds at the base to tidy and stimulate new flushes. Keep crowns free of heavy mulch to prevent rot. Maintain even moisture and shelter in summer; divide and replant offsets if colonies outgrow their space.
Mass plant on shaded banks, under light native canopies, or to edge paths in damp woodland gardens. Combines well with Asplenium bulbiferum, ground ferns, and riparian sedges for layered texture.
Widespread and Not Threatened. Local pressures include weed competition on disturbed ground and browsing of soft new fronds. In restoration work, use eco‑sourced plants and control weeds until canopy closes.
Restoration use: Planted for ground stabilisation and weed suppression in damp bush margins and cutover forest; contributes to healthy understorey structure.
Blechnum species held significant cultural importance for Māori, with many used traditionally for medicinal purposes and in ceremonial practices. The stringy bark was harvested to make storage bags, while various species served as poultices for skin conditions and other therapeutic applications. Blechnum discolor (crown fern) was particularly valued for its weaving properties and featured in traditional design elements carved into meeting houses.
