giant sword fern
Nephrolepis biserrata
USDA zones10 to 11
SunHandles partial sun or full shade
WaterHandles moderate to moist soil
Size3 to 8 feet tall4 to 6 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Rapid
- Habit
- Herb , fern
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn, winter
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, neutral
Garden uses
Notes
Giant sword fern (Nephrolepis biserrata) is a fern for borders, containers, shade gardens, and low maintenance planting. It grows outdoors year-round in USDA zone 10 and warmer, down to about 30°F (-1°C). In colder areas, grow it as a houseplant or bring it indoors for winter. This plant likes part sun to full shade and average to moist, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. It grows at a rapid rate and stays evergreen. It is not a favorite of deer, though hungry deer will eat almost anything.
Pairs well with Wild coffee, Island marlberry, and Cabbage palm.
Native range
FL and LA.