Very unlikely to survive in zone 7 unless protected from temperatures below freezing. Sorry. PF

Unless she got mixed up and meant "Robust Male" fern?

There seems to be a wide range of opinions about the hardiness of the Macho Fern(Nephrolepis biserrata 'Macho'). Some say it is hardy down to 15F(-9C), another source lists 25F(-4C). I grow several of them in pots, so I bring them indoors during the winter. Since we have had warmer than usual winters in the south for a number of years, the roots may survive when planted in a protected location with some extra mulch applied for the winter. I have several microcimates in my garden where I grow out of zone plants, and am considering experimenting with one, plus some other sub-tropical ferns there.
Rb

You probably have grounds to return them to the nursery, since you were obviously misinformed. I don't often return plants because most of the time I can't prove the store did something wrong as opposed to me doing something wrong, but in this case it's pretty clear.

Razorback, my sister in law bought some ferns also, and she is going to put one in the ground just to see.

KarinL, the nursery we stopped at was in Southern Oklahoma. We were on our way home from a fishing trip and saw the nursery. I'd probably spend as much on gas to take them back, so now I guess I need to go shop for some large pots!!

I just found fabulous ferns to plant in my back yard, which has a heavy canopy of very old oaks. Will the Macho ferns take the salt air like the other ferns planted in the yard? They are protected by the house and somewhat by the canopy of trees and there are tons of ferns already out there but these are just magnificent show pieces. Would appreciate any help from experienced gardeners on what plants will survive on an island located in the corner of NE Florida 2000 ft. from the beach!!

Nancy225,

I have macho ferns planted on the north side of my house. I live a 1/2 mile from the intercoastal and 3/4 from the atlantic. The onshore breeze keeps us unusually (unfortunately)dry and our soil is VERY sandy. The macho ferns do very well most of the year although, recently, they did get a bit of cold damage (we had a week of 34-60 degree weather) and in the height of summer they get some sunburn. I find them to be very slow growing and my understanding is that they are a threatened species so I'm happy to have them.
Cheers!