Native plants
Swamp kiokio
Scientific name: Blechnum minus
Pioneer
Fern
- native to the Wellington Region
Suits: damp, dry, shade, partial shade, sunny, shelter, coastal forest garden, coastal and dune garden, wetlands and water features
About Swamp kiokio
The beautiful Kiokio is hardy species of fern. Much similar to the larger B. novae-zelandiae. They are often be found growing in clay soil, on the sides of track cuttings and streams with its long fronds, up to 40 cm long. The fronds have a bright pinkish or red colouration when fresh, and turn lime green to dark green as they mature, making this a beautiful fern to have in every garden with water feature or in damp situations. The fertile fronds with spores turn black making an interesting contrast againt the green. These might look like dead fronds, but are fully alive! Can be useful for erosion control on banks as has a good root system and is fast growing. Although it does best in full sun planted within a permanently damp soil, it also can be grown in shade and also on dry soils.
Provides for lizards
- Ground cover for retreat
- Clump forming for camouflage and insects
Read more about gardening for lizards.