Monrovia : Learn

Very attractive evergreen fern. Erect, narrow, sword-shaped bright green fronds arise from creeping surface roots in wonderful clusters for a woodsy effect in shaded areas. Great for hanging baskets. Partial to full shade. Fast-growing to 3 to 4 feet high, spread indefinite. Spore grown. Non-hardy.

Performance and Requirements

Light needs: Partial to full shade

Watering Needs: Needs wet or constantly moist soil.

Pruning Time: No Value

Growth Rate: Fast Growing

Design Information

Companion Plants

FLAME^® BUSH LILY
Clivia miniata `Monya` P.P.# 6205

SCARLET TRUMPET VINE
Distictis buccinatoria

PINK JASMINE
Jasminum polyanthum

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Companion Plants (Description): Plant Sword Fern with the brightly colored and shade-loving Red Flowering Maple (Abutilon x hybridum `Vesuvius Red`), Scarlet Trumpet Vine (Distictis buccinatoria), the fragrant Pink Jasmine (Jasminum polyanthum) and FlameTM Kaffir Lily (Clivia miniata `Monya`). Also blends nicely with Variegated Miniature Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides `Radicans Variegata`) and any of the Belgian Indian Azaleas.

Design Styles: Sword ferns are valuable green foliage for warm climate regions. Spreading roots make an excellent, if invasive, filler for small beds and slots in paving. Often used in conjunction with perennials and shrubs in beds and borders. Popular candidate for containers and may be used exclusively in classical urns for a minimal approach. Popular for filling in ground plane under tree canopies.

Care Information

Follow a regular watering schedule during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Feed frequently during growing season with a general purpose fertilizer. Cut back old fronds after new growth begins in spring.

Background Information

History: This species of sword fern is decidedly tropical and can be found around the world in nearly all regions where temperatures are warm enough. Little is known about its exact point of origin, but due to the primitive nature of the entire fern clan, it is likely this is a truly global individual.

Lore: Sword fern is so named due to the long, upright sword blade shaped fronds.

Botanical Pronunciation: nef-ro-LEP-is eks-al-TAH-ta

Catalog Description: Very attractive evergreen fern. Erect, narrow, sword-shaped bright green fronds arise from creeping surface roots in wonderful clusters for a woodsy effect in shaded areas. Great for hanging baskets. Partial to full shade. Fast-growing to 3 to 4 feet high, spread indefinite. Spore grown. Non-hardy.