An easy fern for areas with moist dappled shade, the Sword Fern has arching, rich evergreen fronds which together form a fountain of foliage.
Polystichum munitum develops spectacular and robust leathery fronds with toothed margins. It’s one of our favourite evergreen ferns because its both hardy and impressive, with imposing, arching fronds which taper to sword-like points.
Native to North America, from Alaska to Mexico where it lives on the forest floor, the Western Sword fern is well named: sword-shaped, verdant green fronds grow up to 90cm long are abundantly produced in loose shuttlecocks.
This North American fern is relatively rarely cultivated in Europe, and certainly deserves more widespread popularity in UK gardens.
Soil: Moisture Retaining
Soil that drains at a slower rate due to higher organic matter content.
Growth Rate: Medium
Expect to see moderate growth during growing season.
Water Requirement: High
Likely to require supplementary watering in warmer months, even once established.
Maintenance: Low
Minimal skill or input needed beyond the basics, a very independent plant.
Situation: Part Shade
Enjoys several hours of direct sunlight but may enjoy dappling or shade at midday.
Eventual Height: 0.8m
The plant's ultimate height in typical growing conditions.
Eventual Spread: 0.8m
The plant's ultimate spread in typical growing conditions.
Hardiness: Fully Hardy
Will survive unprotected outdoors in most areas of the UK, even in the harshest winters.
Habit: Semi Evergreen
May only remain evergreen in milder winters, or only loose leaves for a short period.
Expert Tip
When allowed to grow into mature specimens in the dappled shade of a tree canopy, in rich moist soil, Polystichum munitum develops a full character and presence that creates a lush focal point, worthy of any garden.
Care & Size Guidance
Albeit fairly rarely cultivated, this fern is robust, easy and undemanding. Whilst it’s best in light to full shade, it’s a true workhorse of the Pacific Northwest where it’s well adapted to droughty summers, living in full sun in dry locations, all the way to the deep shade of cool woods under conifers.
Perfect fern. I love my ferns and after buying a number from all over the place I always come back to Palm Centre. Very healthy, well packed, wonderful customer service and great value for money. Definitely recommend this fern and all of those sold by Palm Centre.
Vanessa
7 customer reviews for Polystichum munitum
Rated 5 out of 5
One very happy customer. Ferns arrived in beautiful condition, well packaged and on time. I wouldnt hesitate to recommend Palm Centre to others and will be ordering again from them. 5 stars.
William M. –
Rated 5 out of 5
The ferns are beautiful, healthy and Im looking forward to planting them this weekend. Western Sword Ferns are one of my favourite plants – I have one already and wanted more as they suit my garden and look great all year round as they are evergreen and swish around in the wind – lovely. The time between ordering was very quick and delivery time request was observed – easy to order. The only concern I had was on the packing – the 3 ferns arrived in a smart but very large box and they had all fallen over inside with water dripping through the box onto my carpet – so I would suggest that if you are putting smaller items in a large box that something is needed to pad out the box and keep plants upright during transit would be a good idea. I will purchase again from The Palm Centre – as the plants are lovely and ordering process is easy.
L. Ellett –
Rated 5 out of 5
Perfect fern. I love my ferns and after buying a number from all over the place I always come back to Palm Centre. Very healthy, well packed, wonderful customer service and great value for money. Definitely recommend this fern and all of those sold by Palm Centre.
Vanessa –
Rated 4 out of 5
3 plants in good condition recieved, well packaged, good size pot with very good soil quality, healfthy plants, off to a good start!
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One very happy customer. Ferns arrived in beautiful condition, well packaged and on time. I wouldnt hesitate to recommend Palm Centre to others and will be ordering again from them. 5 stars.
William M. –
The ferns are beautiful, healthy and Im looking forward to planting them this weekend. Western Sword Ferns are one of my favourite plants – I have one already and wanted more as they suit my garden and look great all year round as they are evergreen and swish around in the wind – lovely. The time between ordering was very quick and delivery time request was observed – easy to order. The only concern I had was on the packing – the 3 ferns arrived in a smart but very large box and they had all fallen over inside with water dripping through the box onto my carpet – so I would suggest that if you are putting smaller items in a large box that something is needed to pad out the box and keep plants upright during transit would be a good idea. I will purchase again from The Palm Centre – as the plants are lovely and ordering process is easy.
L. Ellett –
Perfect fern. I love my ferns and after buying a number from all over the place I always come back to Palm Centre. Very healthy, well packed, wonderful customer service and great value for money. Definitely recommend this fern and all of those sold by Palm Centre.
Vanessa –
3 plants in good condition recieved, well packaged, good size pot with very good soil quality, healfthy plants, off to a good start!
Neil –