About
A deciduous terrestrial fern, to 50cm tall, with creeping rhizomes and lance-shaped to oblong, pinnate or very deeply divided mid-green fronds, with sickle-shaped pinnae, appearing in late summer and dying back in spring.
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 typeLoam, Sand, Chalk
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, West-facing, North-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeFerns
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Care notes
CultivationEasy to grow in moderately fertile, gritty or stony, neutral to alkaline, well-drained soil in sunny or lightly-shaded sites with shelter from cold winds. See how to grow ferns for further advice
PruningDead or damaged fronds may be removed as necessary
PropagationPropagate by division in spring or early summer. Sow spores at 15-16°C when ripe
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free