About
A creeping deciduous fern with narrow, pinnate fronds to 40cm long, persisting into winter, with large branching crests at the frond apex and the tips of the pinnae.
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
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeFerns
HabitMatforming
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Rock garden, Cottage and informal garden
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