Overview

Polypodium australe 'Cambricum' is a fern in the genus Polypodium, part of the Polypodiaceae family. It typically grows around 0.6 metres tall. Polypodium australe 'Cambricum' grows best in partial shade and shade, and tolerates most soils and alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include rock gardens, shaded borders and woodland gardens. It is native to southern and western Europe.

About

Polypodium australe 'Cambricum' is a fern in the Polypodiaceae that reaches about 0.6 metres and suits shaded, sheltered positions. It performs on well-drained, rocky and calcareous soils with an alkaline pH. Plants prefer moist conditions and north- or east-facing aspects. Use it where shade and limey, rocky soil coincide.

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 'Cambricum' is a member of the Polypodiaceae native to southern and western Europe and adapted to grow among rocks and shaded crevices. Its modest height (around 0.6 metres) and preference for shaded, sheltered sites reflect its origins on coastal and montane limestone outcrops. Give it partial shade to full shade on a north- or east-facing aspect, where direct sun is limited. It performs best in well-drained but consistently moist conditions on rocky, calcareous (alkaline) soils; a thin layer of humus or leaf mould in crevices helps retain moisture without waterlogging. Sheltered positions reduce desiccation from wind and sudden exposure. In the UK garden it suits rock gardens, shaded borders and woodland-style beds where alkaline pockets occur, and it can be planted into limestone walls or crevices. Allow for its mature height when siting with low alpines or other shade plants so fronds are not crowded. Allow roughly 0.6 metres between clumps when planting among rocks to give fronds space to develop.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Polypodium

Sunlight

partial shade, shade

Soil type

well-drained, rocky, calcareous

Soil pH

alkaline

Soil moisture

moist

Aspect

north, east

Exposure

sheltered

UK hardiness

H5

Plant details

Polypodium australe 'Cambricum' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Fern

Height

0.6 metres

Suggested uses

rock gardens, shaded borders, woodland gardens

Native to

southern and western Europe

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Polypodium australe 'Cambricum'

Cultivation

Prefers shady, sheltered spots with well-drained alkaline soil; avoid waterlogging; mulch in winter

Pruning

Remove dead fronds in spring

Propagation

Spores, division in spring

Frequently asked questions