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

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

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Photos (67)

Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — Its dense fronds also provide shelter for wildlife; arching fronds that can reach lengths of 2 to 3 feet

Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — contributing to the ecological value of your landscape design; and it can tolerate short periods of drought once

Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — fern for half or shade; but it is not considered invasive

Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — Adds lush texture to garden compositions with minimal maintenance; this lush fern thrives in USDA, image 53

Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — Prefers moist, well-drained soil with some drought tolerance once established; the Southern Sword, image 52

Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — presents an elegant addition to your garden with its long; maintains the fronds' vibrant green color, image 54

Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — arching fronds that can reach lengths of 2 to 3 feet; its dense fronds also provide shelter for, image 55

Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — consider its modest spread of 2 to 4 feet wide; or in container displays for shaded, image 57

Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — This lush fern thrives in USDA hardiness zones 8 to 10; adds lush texture to garden compositions, image 56

Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — leaving ample space between each plant for proper air circulation and growth; the Southern Sword, image 58

Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — and it can tolerate short periods of drought once established; contributing to the ecological value, image 62

Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — slightly acidic to neutral in pH; making it a low-maintenance choice for gardeners, image 61

Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — well-suited for planting in mixed borders; characterized by arching, sword-like fronds, this, image 59

Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — or in container displays for shaded patios.<br><br>This evergreen perennial demands well-drained, image 60

Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — Occasional trimming of old fronds will encourage fresh; facilitating its expansion within a garden, image 65

Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — making it a low-maintenance choice for gardeners; slightly acidic to neutral in pH, image 64

Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — maintains the fronds' vibrant green color; presents an elegant addition to your garden with its long, image 63

Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — vigorous growth and maintain a tidy appearance.<br><br>As an educational point for clients, image 66

Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — the Southern Sword Fern's rhizomes can exhibit a creeping habit; leaving ample space between each, image 67

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