Overview
Polystichum munitum is a bushy ferns in the genus Polystichum, part of the Dryopteridaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 1-1.5 metres tall and 1-1.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Polystichum munitum grows best in full shade and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is low maintenance. Suggested uses include underplanting of roses and shrubs, cottage and informal garden, low maintenance and flower borders and beds. It is native to British Columbia.
About
Polystichum munitum, the western swordfern, is an evergreen perennial fern native to western North America, where it is one of the most abundant ferns in forested areas. It occurs along the Pacific coast from southeastern Alaska to southern California, and also inland east to southeastern British Columbia, northern Idaho and western Montana, with disjunctive populations in northern British Columbia, Canada; the Black Hills in South Dakota, United States; and Guadalupe Island off of Baja California, Mexico.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Polystichum munitum
About the genus
Polystichum is a genus of ferns in the family Dryopteridaceae, subfamily Dryopteridoideae, according to the Pteridophyte Phylogeny Group classification of 2016. The genus has about 500 species and has a cosmopolitan distribution. The highest diversity is in eastern Asia, with about 208 species in China alone; the region from Mexico to Brazil has at least 100 additional species; Africa, North America, and Europe have much lower diversity.
Wikipedia contributors, "Polystichum", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Polystichum
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Polystichum
- Sunlight
- Full shade, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Polystichum munitum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Ferns
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 1-1.5 metres
- Spread
- 1-1.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs, Cottage and informal garden, Low Maintenance, Flower borders and beds
- Native to
- British Columbia
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Polystichum munitum
- Cultivation
- Prefers shaded, moist, well-drained soils rich in organic matter; tolerant of drought once established
- Pruning
- Remove old or damaged fronds in early spring to maintain appearance
- Propagation
- Division of rhizomes in spring, Bulbils in autumn
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Polystichum munitum?
Prefers shaded, moist, well-drained soils rich in organic matter; tolerant of drought once established.
Where is the best place to plant Polystichum munitum?
Polystichum munitum prefers full shade and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Polystichum munitum need?
Polystichum munitum is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Polystichum munitum?
Remove old or damaged fronds in early spring to maintain appearance.
How big does Polystichum munitum grow?
Polystichum munitum reaches a height of 1-1.5 metres and a spread of 1-1.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Polystichum munitum hardy in the UK?
Polystichum munitum has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Polystichum munitum?
Division of rhizomes in spring, Bulbils in autumn.
More in the Polystichum genus
- Polystichum set. 'Herrenhausen'
- Polystichum setiferum 'Dahlem'Soft Shield Fern
- Polystichum adiantiforme
- Polystichum discretum