Overview

Polypodium cambricum 'Oakleyae' is a matforming ferns in the genus Polypodium, part of the Polypodiaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Polypodium cambricum 'Oakleyae' grows best in full shade and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, rock garden, low maintenance, flower borders and beds and underplanting of roses and shrubs. It is native to Belgium and Flemish Region.

About

Polypodium cambricum 'Oakleyae' (Welsh polypody 'Oakleyae') is an evergreen matforming fern cultivar belonging to the genus Polypodium, which is widely distributed globally with the greatest diversity in tropical regions. This cultivar thrives in sheltered locations with full or partial shade, favouring north, east, or west-facing aspects. It grows well in various soil types including loam, chalk, and sand, across acid, alkaline, and neutral pH, provided the soil is moist but well-drained. Hardy to UK zone H7, it is suitable for cottage and informal gardens, rock gardens, flower borders, and underplanting of roses and shrubs, with interest in spring and summer.

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

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Polypodium

Sunlight

Full shade, Partial shade

Soil type

Loam, Chalk, Sand

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained, Well-drained

Aspect

North-facing, East-facing, West-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H7

Plant details

Polypodium cambricum 'Oakleyae' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Ferns

Habit

Matforming

Foliage

Evergreen

Suggested uses

Cottage and informal garden, Rock garden, Low Maintenance, Flower borders and beds, Underplanting of roses and shrubs

Native to

Belgium, Flemish Region

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Polypodium cambricum 'Oakleyae'

Propagation

Division in spring or early summer, Sow spores at 15-16°C when ripe

Pest resistance

Generally pest-free outdoors

Disease resistance

Generally disease-free outdoors

Frequently asked questions