Nephrolepis biserrata (Giant Sword Fern)
Giant Sword Fern, Aspidium biserratum
Nephrolepis biserrata (Giant Sword Fern) is a large, erect, spreading, evergreen fern forming beautiful mounds of long, narrow, arching fronds that can reach 8 ft. (240 cm). It creates a lush, tropical effect, its tall fronds quickly spreading from horizontal stolons. Native to Florida, Mexico, the West Indies, Central America, South America, Africa, and southeast Asia, Giant Sword Fern is found growing in moist hammocks and swamps. This tropical species is hardy in zones 10-11, where it makes a large accent groundcover and is excellent for natural landscapes and habitat restorations. This is a very tall fern, so best planted toward the back of a garden.
- Grows up to 3-8 ft. tall (90-240 cm). Will spread from horizontal stolons to form large colonies.
- Performs best in rich, moist to wet, well-drained to poorly-drained soils in partial shade to full shade. Can grow in nutrient poor soils, but needs some organic content to thrive. This sword fern is intolerant of long periods of drought.
- No serious pest or disease issues.
- Dead or damaged fronds may be removed as necessary.
- Propagate by division.
- Native to Florida, Mexico, the West Indies, Central America, South America, Africa, and southeast Asia.
Buy Nephrolepis biserrata (Giant Sword Fern)
Requirements
Hardiness | 10
– 11 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Ferns |
Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 3' – 8' (90cm – 240cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
Native Plants | United States, Southeast, Florida, Louisiana |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Ground Covers |
Garden Styles | Prairie and Meadow |
thecloudysunny, Shutterstock
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 10
– 11 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Ferns |
Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 3' – 8' (90cm – 240cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
Native Plants | United States, Southeast, Florida, Louisiana |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Ground Covers |
Garden Styles | Prairie and Meadow |