New Zealand Water Fern

This dramatic fern brings a distinctly prehistoric feel to the garden. Blechnum novae-zelandiae (often sold incorrectly as B. capense) produces large, arching fronds that can grow up to 1 metre or more in length in ideal conditions. The new growth is particularly spectacular, often emerging in shades of copper, bronzed-red, or pink before turning a deep, glossy green. It is a creeping fern, spreading via rhizomes to form extensive colonies over time. While it is hardy in the milder parts of the UK (such as Cornwall, the West Coast of Scotland, and Ireland), it may require some winter protection (like a mulch of straw or bracken) in colder inland areas. It absolutely requires a damp, even boggy, site to thrive and will not tolerate drying out. It is a stunning choice for the edge of a pond, a stream bank, or a damp woodland glade. Its architectural scale makes it a genuine statement plant.

Sun: Partial shade.

Soil: Consistently moist to wet, acidic soil.

Hardiness: H3/H4.