Blechnum discolor - Crown fern

Blechnum discolor is a New Zealand fern with slow growth that becomes tree-like over time. It is particularly ornamental due to the bicoloured appearance of its fronds, dark green on top and lighter underneath. They form a wide rosette with geometric patterns at the top of a small "trunk". Gathered at the centre, dark brown fertile fronds create a beautiful colour contrast. This highly ornamental species will be perfect in a tropical-inspired setting, where temperatures do not drop below -6°C.

Blechnum is one of the 24 genera in the small Blechnaceae family, consisting of ferns scattered across much of the globe. The Blechnum genus includes around 200 species, mainly native to the southern hemisphere (New Zealand, Australia, Chile). It is characterised by evergreen fronds. This group of plants also features erect fertile fronds with narrow pinnae and more spreading sterile fronds with broader pinnae.
Blechnum discolor grows wild in New Zealand, where it is widespread throughout the country, across its various islands. It is found in different habitats, often in beech forests, Agathis, or Podocarpus forests, but also in more open areas like pastures, where it forms extensive colonies thanks to its stolons, allowing it to spread. It thrives in forest soils or even on old tree stumps, and also grows along riverbanks. In its natural habitat, it can develop a stipe (false trunk) over a metre tall, bearing a crown of fronds, the largest of which can reach 1.40 m in length.
In cultivation under our climates, its growth will be more modest, while still retaining a spectacular effect. Slow-growing, it eventually develops a short stipe 30 cm tall, supporting the rosette of fronds. Its sterile fronds give it a flared V-shaped silhouette at the top, with a beautiful fullness, reaching nearly 1 m after a few years. They are divided into single pinnae, closely spaced, with a prominent central vein, the base of which connects to the leaf rachis in an offset manner relative to the opposite pinna. Quite dark green on the upper surface, the leaves are lighter underneath, hence the species name (discolor means bicolour). From the centre of the rosette, fertile fronds stand upright, easily recognisable by their dark brown colour and, to a lesser extent, their finer pinnae. This leaf difference greatly contributes to the beauty of this Blechnum while giving it an architectural and tropical appearance.

Blechnum discolor is a very beautiful fern for mild, humid climates, in slightly acidic soil. In colder regions, it can be grown in pots and brought indoors to a cool room in winter. Preferably plant it at the edge of trees, where it will appreciate the shade, and in a sheltered spot away from strong winds. An Embothrium coccineum 'Lanceolatum', the Chilean firebush, will make a perfect backdrop. Eucryphia will also be a great companion in borders, with its simple yet romantic flowers. Closer to the ground, more classic, Fuchsia magellanica 'Riccartonii' with its bell-shaped flowers will add the finishing touch to this exotic-inspired scene.