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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

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; or in container displays for shaded patios.<br><br>This
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) — Adds lush texture to garden compositions with minimal maintenance
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) — and it can tolerate short periods of drought once established; contributing to the ecological value, image 62
Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — facilitating its expansion within a garden bed
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 and spread
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) — but it is not considered invasive
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) — making it a low-maintenance choice for gardeners; slightly acidic to neutral in pH
Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — This lush fern thrives in USDA hardiness zones 8 to 10
Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — maintains the fronds' vibrant green color
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) — arching fronds that can reach lengths of 2 to 3 feet
Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — making it a low-maintenance choice for gardeners
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) — the Southern Sword Fern's rhizomes can exhibit a creeping habit; leaving ample space between each, image 67
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) — and it can tolerate short periods of drought once established
Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — leaving ample space between each plant for proper air circulation and growth
Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — Lustrous, deep green fronds create dense clumps, optimal for groundcover or borders; vigorous growth and
Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — presents an elegant addition to your garden with its long; maintains the fronds' vibrant green color
Photographs by 14 contributors

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