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
The Sword Fern we bought was so impressive we ordered two more to grow in shady areas of our garden. All three were excellent, large and well grown specimens.
Ian Nethertcleft (verified owner)–
Rated 5 out of 5
We bought a single Polystichum Munitum fern to brighten up our dark north facing porch area and were so impressed with the condition, size and packaging of the plant that we ordered two more to grow in shady areas of our back garden.
Ian Nethercleft (verified owner)–
Rated 5 out of 5
Ferns arrived in great condition, very well packaged. I would highly recommend this company
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The Sword Fern we bought was so impressive we ordered two more to grow in shady areas of our garden. All three were excellent, large and well grown specimens.
Ian Nethertcleft (verified owner) –
We bought a single Polystichum Munitum fern to brighten up our dark north facing porch area and were so impressed with the condition, size and packaging of the plant that we ordered two more to grow in shady areas of our back garden.
Ian Nethercleft (verified owner) –
Ferns arrived in great condition, very well packaged. I would highly recommend this company
Andy battersby (verified owner) –