About
Polypodium vulgare, the common polypody, is an evergreen, terrestrial or epiphytic fern to 30 cm tall with creeping rhizomes and lance-shaped to oblong, pinnate or very deeply pinnatifid, dark-green fronds. A native fern excellent for naturalising on shaded walls, banks and tree stumps.
About the genus
Polypodium, the polypodies, are mostly evergreen or semi-evergreen ferns with creeping rhizomes and simple, deeply pinnatifid or pinnate, leathery fronds. Grown in shaded, moist, sheltered positions in borders, walls and on tree stumps.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeFerns
HabitMatforming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Rock garden
Native toEurasia
Care notes
CultivationEasy to grow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained or drier soils in sunny or lightly-shaded sites. Tolerant of dry shade but water regularly in their first season and mulch well
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 outdoors
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free outdoors