Overview

Polypodium vulgare 'Cornubiense' is a fern in the genus Polypodium, part of the Polypodiaceae family. It typically grows around 0.3 m tall. Polypodium vulgare 'Cornubiense' grows best in full shade, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include groundcover, rock gardens and woodland gardens. It is native to Belgium, Flemish Region and Walloon Region.

About

Polypodium vulgare 'Cornubiense' is a fern used as a low, shade-tolerant ground cover, typically reaching around 0.3 m. It prefers full shade or deeply shaded sites and performs on sandy, loamy or clay soils that are well-drained yet retain some moisture. The cultivar is classed H7 (fully hardy) and is also mapped to USDA zones 3–6. Its compact habit suits rock gardens, woodland edges and shaded banks.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Polypodium vulgare

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

In the garden

Polypodium vulgare 'Cornubiense' belongs to the Polypodiaceae and is native to Belgium’s Flemish and Walloon regions. As a shade-adapted fern it establishes a low layer of foliage, making it appropriate where taller plants are not wanted but bare soil needs covering. Expect a final height close to 0.3 m. Place it where light is limited — full shade or shaded aspects give the best results. It accepts a wide range of soils (sandy, loamy or clay) provided they are well-drained; soils that remain moist without waterlogging suit it. The plant’s hardiness rating, H7, means it tolerates the coldest UK conditions and corresponds to USDA zones 3–6, so it can be left outdoors through winter without protection in typical British gardens. Use Polypodium vulgare 'Cornubiense' as a ground cover beneath trees, on north-facing walls or in the crevices of rock gardens and woodland borders. Its low stature and shade tolerance make it a practical choice for filling shaded pockets where other perennials struggle to establish, especially on slopes or banks where erosion control is needed.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Polypodium

Sunlight

Full shade

Soil type

Sandy, Loamy, Clay

Soil moisture

Well-drained, Moist but well-drained

Exposure

Shade

UK hardiness

H7

Plant details

Polypodium vulgare 'Cornubiense' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Fern

Height

0.3 m

Suggested uses

Groundcover, Rock gardens, Woodland gardens

Native to

Belgium, Flemish Region, Walloon Region

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Polypodium vulgare 'Cornubiense'

Cultivation

Prefers shaded, moist, well-drained soil; tolerant of dry conditions once established

Pruning

Remove dead or damaged fronds in spring

Propagation

Division, spores

Frequently asked questions