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 10–10Type 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

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

Start your 14-day trial

Photos (87)

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) — or in container displays for shaded patios.<br><br>This evergreen perennial demands well-drained, image 60
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) — presents an elegant addition to your garden with its long; maintains the fronds' vibrant green color, image 54
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) — maintains the fronds' vibrant green color; presents an elegant addition to your garden with its long, image 63
Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — fern for half or shade; but it is not considered invasive
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) — contributing to the ecological value of your landscape design; and it can tolerate short periods of drought once
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) — slightly acidic to neutral in pH
Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — presents an elegant addition to your garden with its long
Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Cordifolia) — Prefers moist, well-drained soil with some drought tolerance once established
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) — Lustrous, deep green fronds create dense clumps, optimal for groundcover or borders
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) — well-suited for planting in mixed borders
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 evergreen perennial
Nephrolepis Cordifolia
Nephrolepis Cordifolia
Nephrolepis Cordifolia
Nephrolepis Cordifolia
Nephrolepis Cordifolia
Photographs by 13 contributors

Related plants