Doodia australis - Common Rasp Fern | Red New Growth Fern 

Discover Doodia australis at TOMs FLOWer CLUB - an unusual and characterful fern admired for its textured, toothed fronds and striking pink to reddish young growth. As the fronds mature, they turn deep green, creating a natural contrast between fresh growth and established foliage.

Native to New Zealand and parts of Australia and the surrounding islands, Doodia australis grows in a variety of habitats, including woodland, forest margins and moist, sheltered locations. In cultivation, it can be used in shaded garden areas, woodland-style plantings, ferneries and containers. Its upright, arching fronds and gradually spreading habit give it a distinctive appearance among ornamental ferns.

At TOMs FLOWer CLUB, plants are cultivated with care, focusing on natural growth and healthy root development rather than forced production.

Why This Plant Stands Out

• Pink to red young fronds provide seasonal colour

• Textured, finely toothed foliage with a distinctive rasp-like character

• Mature fronds develop a rich, dark green colour

• Forms attractive clumps and can spread gradually by runners

• Suitable for woodland-style gardens, shaded borders and containers

• An interesting choice for fern collectors and naturalistic planting schemes

• Offers a different texture from soft, finely divided ornamental ferns

Plant Characteristics

Botanical name: Doodia australis
Common name: Common Rasp Fern, Rasp Fern, Pukupuku
Alternative botanical name: Blechnum parrisiae
Plant type: Evergreen to semi-evergreen perennial fern, depending on growing conditions
Growth: Upright, clump-forming and gradually spreading by runners
Height: Approximately 30-60 cm under suitable growing conditions
Foliage: Narrow, divided fronds with toothed edges; young growth pink to reddish, maturing to dark green
Flowers: None; reproduces by spores
Special features: Coloured new growth, textured foliage and natural spreading habit
Use: Woodland gardens, shaded borders, ferneries and containers

Collector Note

Doodia australis is particularly appreciated for its combination of colourful new growth and rugged foliage texture. The young fronds emerge in pink, reddish or bronze tones before developing into firm, dark green foliage with distinctly toothed segments.

Its appearance is more structured and robust than that of many delicate ornamental ferns. Over time, the plant can form a spreading clump, making it an interesting addition to naturalistic garden compositions and specialist fern collections.

The species is also known botanically as Blechnum parrisiae, although the name Doodia australis remains in use in horticulture and some botanical references.

Care

Light: Partial shade to dappled shade; it can tolerate sunnier positions when moisture is sufficient
Watering: Water regularly during active growth; keep the substrate moderately moist while avoiding prolonged waterlogging
Humidity: Appreciates moderate humidity, but can adapt to outdoor garden conditions
Temperature: Prefers moderate conditions and tolerates cool weather; protect young plants and container specimens during severe or prolonged frost
Substrate: Humus-rich, well-drained soil that retains some moisture
Maintenance: Remove old or damaged fronds when needed
Outdoor cultivation: Suitable for sheltered outdoor positions in appropriate climates; in Switzerland, choose a protected site and monitor winter conditions
Container cultivation: Ensure good drainage and avoid allowing the root ball to dry out completely during active growth

Cultivated with Care at TOMs FLOWer CLUB

At TOMs FLOWer CLUB, our focus is on healthy plants, natural growth and quality over quantity. Plants are cultivated with care and without excessive fertilisation, supporting balanced development rather than artificially accelerated growth.

What You Receive

You will receive the plant in the displayed size, carefully selected for you. Its existing foliage and root development provide the foundation for continued growth in a suitable garden position or container.

Doodia australis now available at TOMs FLOWer CLUB - a distinctive rasp fern combining reddish young growth, textured green fronds and natural woodland character.