About
A vigorous, evergreen fern with a creeping rhizome bearing broadly ovate, bipinnatifid fronds with lobed segments, mixed with occasional simply pinnate ones.
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
AspectNorth-facing, West-facing, South-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeFerns
HabitMatforming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesRock garden, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
Care notes
CultivationEasy to grow in most cool, moist, lightly shaded sites and will grow in full sun if given plenty of moisture. Tolerant of dry shade but water regularly in their first season and mulch well. 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
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free outdoors
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free outdoors