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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 10–10Type FernClimate Subtropical
Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — consider its modest spread of 2 to 4 feet wide
Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — Adds lush texture to garden compositions with minimal maintenance; this lush fern thrives in USDA, image 53Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — consider its modest spread of 2 to 4 feet wide; or in container displays for shaded, image 57Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — Occasional trimming of old fronds will encourage freshSouthern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — Its dense fronds also provide shelter for wildlifeSouthern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — vigorous growth and maintain a tidy appearance.<br><br>As an educational point for clients, image 66Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — Lustrous, deep green fronds create dense clumps, optimal for groundcover or borders; vigorous growth, image 51+80

Culture

Sun
Half, Shade
Water
Medium
USDA zones
10–10

Shape & size

Classification

Type
Fern
Family
Polypodiaceae
Climate
Subtropical

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Photos (87)

Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — consider its modest spread of 2 to 4 feet wide
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) — consider its modest spread of 2 to 4 feet wide; or in container displays for shaded, image 57
Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — Occasional trimming of old fronds will encourage fresh
Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — Its dense fronds also provide shelter for wildlife
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) — Lustrous, deep green fronds create dense clumps, optimal for groundcover or borders; vigorous growth, image 51
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) — slightly acidic to neutral in pH; making it a low-maintenance choice for gardeners
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) — but it is not considered invasive; fern for half or shade
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) — leaving ample space between each plant for proper air circulation and growth; the Southern Sword Fern's rhizomes
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) — or in container displays for shaded patios.<br><br>This evergreen perennial demands well-drained soil
Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — contributing to the ecological value of your landscape design
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) — the Southern Sword Fern's rhizomes can exhibit a creeping habit; leaving ample space between each plant for
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) — Occasional trimming of old fronds will encourage fresh; facilitating its expansion within a garden, image 65
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) — fern for half or shade
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) — the Southern Sword Fern's rhizomes can exhibit a creeping habit
Photographs by 11 contributors

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