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How to Grow Crown Fern

iNaturalist

Crown Fern

Blechnum discolor

fern

Crown Fern is an evergreen fern native to New Zealand with distinctive bipinnate fronds that emerge copper-red before maturing to deep green. It forms an attractive upright clump with a somewhat tree-like growth habit, reaching 3-4 feet tall. This ornamental fern is prized for its architectural form and elegant foliage in temperate gardens.

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Example Crown Fern timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Crown Fern

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Crown Fern

    Late summer into fall

    Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Crown Fern dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Partial shade to dappled sunlight; 2-4 hours indirect light daily. Avoid harsh afternoon sun.
💧
Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water regularly during growing season; reduce in winter. Prefers high humidity.
📏
Spacing: 24-36 inches
📅
Days to maturity: Not applicable (ornamental foliage plant)
🌱
Planting depth: Crown at soil surface; do not bury the crown

Soil

Type: Well-draining, humus-rich soil with organic matter
pH: 5.5-7.0
Amendments:
Peat moss Compost Leaf mold Bark chips

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 9-11; suitable for milder temperate climates

9a 9b 10a 10b 11a 11b

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Growth Stages

1

Establishment

4-6 weeks

Young fronds emerge copper-red and tightly curled, beginning to unfurl.

Keep soil evenly moist, provide bright indirect light, maintain humidity. Mist foliage regularly.

2

Frond Development

3-4 months

New fronds expand and mature to deep green; older fronds gradually turn darker and leathery.

Continue consistent watering and humidity. Remove any damaged or diseased fronds at base.

3

Juvenile Growth

6-12 months

Plant develops characteristic upright clump; earlier fronds may yellow and die back naturally.

Support with stakes if needed in windy locations. Apply balanced fertilizer monthly during growing season.

4

Mature Specimen

2+ years onward

Full crown structure established with multiple frond tiers; reaches full height and spread.

Maintenance pruning of dead fronds; reduce fertilizer frequency. Monitor for scale insects.

5

Reproduction

Ongoing in established plants

Sporangia (spore structures) develop on undersides of mature fronds, appearing as brown linear sori.

Allow spores to mature naturally. Can collect spores for propagation if desired.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Helleborus Heuchera Astilbe Hostas Polystichum Carex Soft shield fern Japanese painted fern

Avoid planting near:

Aggressive spreading plants Drought-tolerant plants requiring full sun Plants needing arid conditions

Common Pests

  • Inspect regularly; spray with neem oil or horticultural soap. Prune affected fronds if severe.

  • Remove by hand or spray with insecticidal soap. Isolate infested plants.

  • Increase humidity; spray undersides of fronds with water. Use miticide if severe.

  • and

    Remove debris and provide good drainage. Use slug bait or hand-pick; encourage natural predators.

Uses

🏠

Cut foliage for arrangements

Household

Mature fronds make excellent, long-lasting additions to floral arrangements and decorative displays. Their architectural form adds structure and movement to mixed bouquets. [source]

🏠

Ornamental garden focal point

Household

The upright clumping habit and distinctive copper-to-green color progression makes Crown Fern an attractive specimen plant for shaded borders, woodland gardens, and container cultivation. [source]

🦋

Shelter for forest creatures

Wildlife

Dense frond structure provides habitat and shelter for beneficial insects, small amphibians, and ground-dwelling wildlife in temperate gardens. [source]

🎨

Pressed fern preservation

Craft

Fronds can be pressed and dried for craft projects, herbarium specimens, botanical art, and decorative bookmarking applications. [source]

Harvest Tips

Crown Fern is not harvested for food. Harvest fronds for floral arrangements by cutting mature stems at the base; they last 7-10 days in water. Collect spores from mature sori for propagation by placing fronds in paper bags to dry and capture spores.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Crown Fern is native to New Zealand where it grows in forests and is sometimes called 'Kiokio' in Māori. It is naturally found in both North and South Island native forests.
  • 🌱 The distinctive copper-red coloration of new fronds is a natural defense mechanism; the anthocyanin pigments protect young fronds from UV radiation and herbivory.
  • 🌱 Crown Fern reproduces via microscopic spores rather than seeds—a single mature frond can release millions of spores, though only a tiny fraction will develop into new plants under optimal conditions.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Crown Partial Shade
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