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Southern Sword Fern

Nephrolepis Cordifolia

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Overview

The Southern Sword Fern, Nephrolepis cordifolia, thrives in USDA zones 8-10, favoring partial to full shade. Characterized by arching, sword-like fronds, this evergreen perennial reaches 2 to 3 feet in height and spread. Lustrous, deep green fronds create dense clumps, optimal for groundcover or borders. Prefers moist, well-drained soil with some drought tolerance once established. Adds lush texture to garden compositions with minimal maintenance.

Sun Half, ShadeWater MediumZones 10–10Climate Subtropical

Culture

Sun
Half, Shade
Water
Medium
USDA zones
10–10

Shape & size

Classification

Family
Polypodiaceae
Climate
Subtropical

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Photos (67)

Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — Prefers moist, well-drained soil with some drought tolerance once established
Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — Adds lush texture to garden compositions with minimal maintenance
Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — The Southern Sword Fern, Nephrolepis cordifolia, thrives in USDA zones 8-10, favoring partial to full shade
Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — Characterized by arching, sword-like fronds, this evergreen perennial reaches 2 to 3 feet in height and spread
Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — Lustrous, deep green fronds create dense clumps, optimal for groundcover or borders
Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — arching fronds that can reach lengths of 2 to 3 feet
Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — This lush fern thrives in USDA hardiness zones 8 to 10
Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — consider its modest spread of 2 to 4 feet wide
Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — presents an elegant addition to your garden with its long
Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — leaving ample space between each plant for proper air circulation and growth
Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — well-suited for planting in mixed borders
Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — or in container displays for shaded patios.<br><br>This evergreen perennial demands well-drained soil
Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — slightly acidic to neutral in pH
Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — and it can tolerate short periods of drought once established
Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — Occasional trimming of old fronds will encourage fresh
Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — making it a low-maintenance choice for gardeners
Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — maintains the fronds' vibrant green color
Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — vigorous growth and maintain a tidy appearance.<br><br>As an educational point for clients
Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — facilitating its expansion within a garden bed
Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — the Southern Sword Fern's rhizomes can exhibit a creeping habit
Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — but it is not considered invasive
Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — contributing to the ecological value of your landscape design
Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — Its dense fronds also provide shelter for wildlife
Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — Lustrous, deep green fronds create dense clumps, optimal for groundcover or borders; vigorous growth and

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