Overview

Polypodium australe is a fern in the genus Polypodium, part of the Polypodiaceae family. It typically grows around 0.6 metres tall. Polypodium australe grows best in partial shade and shade, and tolerates rocky and well-drained soils. Suggested uses include rock gardens and shaded borders. It is native to southern and western Europe, Mediterranean Basin and Atlantic Europe.

About

Polypodium australe is a fern that reaches about 0.6 metres and is native to southern and western Europe, the Mediterranean Basin and Atlantic Europe. It favours shady, sheltered sites with rocky, well-drained yet moist soil. Place it on north- or east-facing banks, in rock gardens or shaded borders. Its fronds form a compact, low-level presence suited to cool, protected corners.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Polypodium cambricum

About the genus

Polypodium is a genus of ferns in the family Polypodiaceae, subfamily Polypodioideae, according to the Pteridophyte Phylogeny Group classification of 2016 (PPG I). The genus is widely distributed throughout the world, with the highest species diversity in the tropics. The name is derived from Ancient Greek poly ("many") + podion, on account of the foot-like appearance of the rhizome and its branches.

Wikipedia contributors, "Polypodium", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Polypodium

In the garden

Polypodium australe is a member of the Polypodiaceae native to southern and western Europe, the Mediterranean Basin and Atlantic Europe. It typically grows to about 0.6 metres and is most often found where shade and consistent moisture coincide with rocky, well-drained ground. Grow it in partial shade or shade, choosing a sheltered position with a north or east aspect where the rootzone stays cool. Use a rocky, free-draining substrate that retains some moisture rather than a heavy, waterlogged mix; pockets of soil in rock crevices or among stones suit its root habit. Avoid exposed, sunny sites and windy locations that dry the soil out. In the UK garden place Southern Polypody in rock gardens and shaded borders, tucked into crevices or at the base of north- or east-facing walls. It reaches roughly 0.6 metres and fills low, sheltered niches where moist, well-drained pockets of soil are present, making it particularly useful where other shade plants struggle to find grip in rocky soil.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Polypodium

Sunlight

partial shade, shade

Soil type

rocky, well-drained

Soil moisture

moist

Aspect

north, east

Exposure

sheltered

Plant details

Polypodium australe size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Fern

Height

0.6 metres

Suggested uses

rock gardens, shaded borders

Native to

southern and western Europe, Mediterranean Basin, Atlantic Europe

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Polypodium australe

Cultivation

Prefers shady, moist, well-drained rocky habitats; avoid waterlogging

Pruning

Remove dead fronds in spring

Propagation

Spores, division

Frequently asked questions