About

A semi-evergreen fern with creeping rhizome, the broadly ovate fronds pinnate with deeply laciniately-toothed pinnae; new fronds appear in late summer.

About the genus

Polypodium can be evergreen or deciduous ferns, with creeping rhizomes bearing simple or pinnate fronds at intervals

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH7

Plant details

Plant typeFerns
HabitMatforming
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Patio and container plants

Care notes

CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, humus-rich, gritty or stoney, well-drained soil in sun or dappled shade. A fern for a neutral to alkaline soil, in a sheltered position
PruningRemove fronds as they become untidy
PropagationPropagate by spores at 15-16°C (59-61°F) when ripe. Divide in spring or early summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free