A: Giant leather fern, Acrostichum danaeifolium, can indeed be grown here as it is suitable for cold hardiness zones 8b through 12. Remember we, in Northeast Florida are 8b (west part of the county) – 9a (east part of the county). It can reach heights upward to 12 feet which is why it gets the name giant fern. It has been used along retention ponds as it can tolerate fresh to brackish water. This fern can be grown in full sun but will look better in partial shade. Too much sun will cause the edges of the leaflets to turn brown causing people to assume it is dying. Old fronds need to be removed periodically to keep a fresh look. It also does not tolerate drought well, which means it would need weekly irrigation.

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