Asplenium bulbiferum

Asplenium bulbiferum or Hen and Chicken fern, is an evergreen fern species native to New Zealand. It grows in a diverse range of habitats, along streams, in rainforests, along coast lines, in lowlands and in alpine regions. Invariably associated with flowing water, in nature, it is often found close to permanent creeks and almost always with waterfalls. Despite this, it also does well in the typical conditions of shaded settings in Australian gardens.
With delicate lime green feathery fronds, new fronds open from the centre of the rosette, unrolling as they age.
Asplenium bulbiferum grow small bulbils on top of their fronds. Once matured to about 5cm, these offspring fall off and, provided the soil they land in is moist, develop a root system and grow into new ferns. This additional means of reproduction can be employed with greater ease than propagation by spores.
We chose to use this plant down the side of our Canterbury project as it is a hardy plant that thrives in shaded average to moist soil.
If you’re looking for an attractive plant to add greenery and help brighten darker pockets of the garden, the Asplenium bulbiferum is one we would certainly recommend.