Skip to content

Southern Sword Fern

Nephrolepis Cordifolia

Design with this plant

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
Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — The Southern Sword Fern, Nephrolepis cordifolia, thrives in USDA zones 8-10, favoring partial to full shade

Culture

Sun
Half, Shade
Water
Medium
USDA zones
10–10

Shape & size

Classification

Family
Polypodiaceae
Climate
Subtropical

See full data, regional cultivation notes, full-resolution photos, and design tools. Build a client presentation around this plant.

Start your 14-day trial

Photos (67)

Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — Characterized by arching, sword-like fronds, this evergreen perennial reaches 2 to 3 feet in height, image 26
Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — Adds lush texture to garden compositions with minimal maintenance; this lush fern thrives in USDA hardiness
Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — Prefers moist, well-drained soil with some drought tolerance once established; the Southern Sword Fern
Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — fern for half or shade
Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — The Southern Sword Fern, Nephrolepis cordifolia, thrives in USDA zones 8-10, favoring partial to, image 25
Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — presents an elegant addition to your garden with its long; maintains the fronds' vibrant green color
Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — arching fronds that can reach lengths of 2 to 3 feet; its dense fronds also provide shelter for wildlife
Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — This lush fern thrives in USDA hardiness zones 8 to 10; adds lush texture to garden compositions with minimal
Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — consider its modest spread of 2 to 4 feet wide; or in container displays for shaded patios.<br><br>This
Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — leaving ample space between each plant for proper air circulation and growth; the Southern Sword Fern's rhizomes
Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — well-suited for planting in mixed borders; characterized by arching, sword-like fronds, this evergreen perennial
Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — or in container displays for shaded patios.<br><br>This evergreen perennial demands well-drained soil; consider
Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — slightly acidic to neutral in pH; making it a low-maintenance choice for gardeners
Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — making it a low-maintenance choice for gardeners; slightly acidic to neutral in pH
Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — Occasional trimming of old fronds will encourage fresh; facilitating its expansion within a garden bed
Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — and it can tolerate short periods of drought once established; contributing to the ecological value of your
Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — maintains the fronds' vibrant green color; presents an elegant addition to your garden with its long
Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — the Southern Sword Fern's rhizomes can exhibit a creeping habit; leaving ample space between each plant for
Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — vigorous growth and maintain a tidy appearance.<br><br>As an educational point for clients; lustrous, deep green
Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — facilitating its expansion within a garden bed; occasional trimming of old fronds will encourage fresh
Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — but it is not considered invasive; fern for half or shade
Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — The Southern Sword Fern, Nephrolepis cordifolia, thrives in USDA zones 8-10, favoring partial to, image 49
Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — Characterized by arching, sword-like fronds, this evergreen perennial reaches 2 to 3 feet in height, image 50
Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — Lustrous, deep green fronds create dense clumps, optimal for groundcover or borders; vigorous growth, image 51

Related plants