Western Sword Fern
Polystichum munitum
Western Sword Fern is a perennial for focal point, mid-border, suited to shade and partial shade and clay, loam or acid soil, flowering varies by climate.
| Type | Perennial |
|---|---|
| Mature height | 90 cm |
| Spread | 90 cm |
| Aspect | shade and partial shade |
| Foliage | Evergreen |
| Hardiness | USDA 3a-8b, RHS H7 |
| Pollinator-friendly | No |
| Pet-safe | Yes |
Where to use it in a border
At around 90 cm, it sits best toward the back of a border, or on its own as a focal point with room around it. Give it about 90 cm of room to spread. It is hardy across USDA zones 3a to 8b and rated H7 by the RHS, so check it suits your area before planting.
It appears in our lists of shade, clay soil, acid soil, evergreen plants, pet-safe plants.
Border Builder uses Western Sword Fern's height, spread, soil, bloom months and companions to place it in a full border plan for your own conditions, on iPhone and iPad.
Flowering through the year
Worth knowing
- Evergreen, so it keeps the border furnished through winter.
- It tolerates acid soil but dislikes shallow chalk.
- It tolerates a shaded, north-facing spot.
Good companions
Plants that share its conditions and style, chosen to complement its place in the border:
- Azaleato flower when it does not
- Barrenwort 'Frohnleiten'to edge in front
- Bergenia 'Purpurea'to edge in front
- Black mondo grassto edge in front
- Blue Windflowerto edge in front
- Bugleto edge in front