Blechnum tabulare – The Table Fern

Bring a touch of prehistoric elegance to your garden with Blechnum tabulare, a striking tree fern native to the misty mountain forests of Southern Africa. Known as the “Table Fern” thanks to its distinctive, symmetrical crown, this species forms a stout, slow-growing trunk topped with a beautifully arranged rosette of arching, glossy fronds.

Reaching up to 2 metres in height in UK gardens (and considerably more in warmer climates), Blechnum tabulare makes a bold architectural statement, whether planted as a specimen in a sheltered border or potted for a shaded patio or courtyard. It thrives in cool, humid conditions with evenly moist, rich soil, making it ideal for woodland or exotic-themed plantings.

Unlike many temperate tree ferns, Blechnum tabulare unfurls its fronds in a near-perfect circle, creating a flat-topped “table” effect that only becomes more dramatic with age. Hardy to around -5°C with protection, it’ll reward you with year-round structure and lush green foliage with minimal fuss once established.

A rare and underappreciated gem for the serious fern collector or designer of exotic landscapes.

supplied 12cm pot