Good plant, mediocre results — what went wrong with my Sword Fern

Sword Fern is clearly a great plant — I can see that from other people's results. Mine has been decent but not spectacular, and I think I know why.

I underestimated the importance of maintaining consistent moisture without waterlogging in the early stages and paid for it. crown death from frost on tender varieties also knocked the plant back at a critical point. It lives in a fern wall or vertical garden in a shaded courtyard which is probably not quite right but it's the best I can do in my space. wide range from compact table plants to large architectural specimens is visible but muted. spectacular new crozier unfurling in spring gave me hope — there are glimpses of what it could be. Three stars for now with potential for four.