Blechnum montanum

Mountain kiokio

From £18.71

Mount Kiokio is a sought after evergreen fern with a particularly prehistoric appearance.

Blechnum montanum displays impressively huge, leathery dark green fronds with pleasing parallel veins. These emerge in a slowly shifting pinkish red to orange colour before it matures.

Origin: New Zealand
Genus: Blechnum
Species / Cultivar: montanum
Common Name: Mountain kiokio
Synonym: Parablechnum montanum

Plant Biography

Native to New Zealand where it grows in cold and wet alpine conditions, hence its Latin and common names which both refer to mountains.

It is one of only few New Zealand ferns that can survive above the mountain tree line, which throws some light on its distinctively ancient character.

In cultivation, Mount Kiokio is frequently used by gardeners to create ground cover in shaded borders of the garden.

Blechnum montanum
Soil: Moisture Retaining
Soil that drains at a slower rate due to higher organic matter content.
Growth Rate: Medium
Expect to see moderate growth during growing season.
Water Requirement: Medium
Once it is established, this plant is likely to only require watering during drier periods.
Maintenance: Low
Minimal skill or input needed beyond the basics, a very independent plant.
Situation: Part Shade
Enjoys several hours of direct sunlight but may enjoy dappling or shade at midday.
Eventual Height: 1m
The plant's ultimate height in typical growing conditions.
Eventual Spread: 1m
The plant's ultimate spread in typical growing conditions.
Hardiness: Hardy
Survives unprotected in an average winter. May need protection in extreme long frosts.
Habit: Evergreen
Always in leaf throughout the year. It won't lose all its leaves at any one time.

Expert Tip

Blechnum montanum is both easy to transplant and easy to propagate through fresh spores.

Care & Size Guidance

Blechnum montanum thrives best planted at a site with very moist and rich soil, situated in part shade.

Whilst it dislikes drought and humidity, once it has been established it is more tolerant than you might expect.

That said, it is only borderline hardy for the winter weather in the UK, so it’s best placed in a sheltered spot and may need to be provided protection during colder frosts.

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