Blechnum parrisiae

, commonly known as Pukupuku is a hardy New Zealand native ground fern valued for its tidy, upright habit and suitability for mass planting. Fresh fronds emerge in attractive reddish-pink tones, gradually maturing to rich green, adding subtle seasonal colour and texture to the landscape.

This evergreen fern forms neat clumps that work well as a groundcover in native or woodland gardens, along shaded pathways or beneath trees and shrubs. It performs best in moist, well-drained, humus-rich soils and benefits from regular mulching to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. While it tolerates full sun in cooler, moist conditions, it thrives in semi-shade to shaded positions and appreciates shelter from drying winds.

Low-maintenance and reliable, Pukupuku is ideal for creating naturalistic plantings and stabilising banks.