Southern Shield Fern - 3.5 inch Pots (Minimum Quantity: 25 Plants)
Dryopteris ludoviciana, commonly known as the Southern Wood Fern or Florida Wood Fern, is a robust, evergreen fern native to the southeastern United States. It features tall, upright fronds that can reach up to four feet in height, creating a striking vertical presence in shaded gardens. Its deep green, glossy foliage remains attractive year-round, making it a reliable choice for adding texture and structure to woodland gardens, shaded borders, or moist under-story plantings. This fern thrives in partial to full shade and prefers consistently moist, well-drained soil, though it can tolerate some drought once established.
Low-maintenance and adaptable, Dryopteris ludoviciana is resistant to deer and other pests, making it a great option for naturalized landscapes. It pairs well with other shade-loving plants such as hostas, astilbes, and other ferns, providing a lush, layered effect. Its ability to withstand heat and humidity makes it particularly well-suited to southern gardens, but it can also grow in more temperate climates. Whether used as a background plant, massed for ground cover, or as an accent in a shaded border, the southern wood fern is a versatile and dependable choice for adding greenery to low-light areas.
Name(s): Dryopteris ludoviciana, Aspidium ludovicianum, Dryopteris floridana, Nephrodium floridanum, Florida Shield Fern, Southern Shield Fern, Southern Wood Fern
Flower Color: None
Bloom Time: None
Foliage: Evergreen, dark green, glossy.
Height/Spread: 48 inches x 24 inches.
Climate Zones: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
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Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade.
Soil Condition: Average, moist soil, pH 6.1 to 7.5
Features: Glossy dark green foliage, deer resistant.
Uses: Massed planting, naturalizing, fern collections, native plant collections, shade gardens, woodland gardens.
Comments: Southern Shield Fern - aka Florida Shield Fern, Southern Wood Fern - should not be confused with Thelypteris kunthii which shares some common names. Evergreen fronds are dark green and glossy.
We can not ship this item to Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon and Washington.
