About

Polypodium, the polypodies, are mostly evergreen ferns with creeping rhizomes and simple or pinnate fronds arising at intervals. One of the most rewarding of all fern genera for shade and semi-shade in the garden.

About the genus

Polypodium are mostly evergreen ferns with creeping rhizomes and simple, deeply lobed or pinnate, leathery fronds. Grown in shaded or semi-shaded, well-drained positions in borders, rock gardens and as epiphytes.

Plant details

Suggested usesShade gardens, woodland, containers.

Care notes

CultivationPlant in moist, humus-rich soil in shade.
PruningRemove old fronds in spring.
PropagationPropagate by division, cuttings, or seed.
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free.
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-resistant.