Polypodium vulgare: The Common Polypody
The Common Polypody
Position
- Partial to full shade
- Sheltered or exposed sites
- North or east-facing aspects ideal
- Can grow on walls, trees, and rocks
- Woodland settings perfect
- Tolerates dry shade once established
Hardiness
- Tolerates temperatures down to -25°C (-13°F)
- Evergreen fern
- Very hardy throughout the UK
- Performs well in coastal areas
Soil Type
- Well-draining conditions
- Adapts to most soil types
- Tolerates both acidic and neutral pH
- Can grow with minimal soil in rock crevices
- Benefits from leaf mould incorporation
Soil PH
- Tolerates both acidic and neutral pH
Height
- Height: 20-30cm (8-12 inches)
- Spread: 45-60cm (18-24 inches)
- Takes 3-5 years to form good colonies
Seasons of Interest
- Evergreen leathery fronds
- New growth in late summer
- Golden-brown spore cases in autumn
- Year-round architectural presence
- No flowers (ornamental fern)
Additional Notes
- Native to British woodlands and walls
- Excellent for naturalising
- Perfect for rock gardens
- Low maintenance once established
- Good for containers
- Minimal watering needed
- Deer and rabbit resistant
- Good for urban gardens
- Works well under trees
- Benefits from occasional removal of old fronds
- Tolerates exposed conditions
- Does well in north-facing aspects
- Good for small gardens
- Creates natural woodland effect
- Compact growth habit
- Never becomes invasive
- Historic medicinal uses
- Good between paving stones
- Excellent for green walls
- Can colonise tree trunks
- Drought tolerant once established
- Self-sustaining in ideal conditions
Polypodium vulgare: The Common Polypody
The Common Polypody brings natural charm and adaptability to gardens. This resilient native fern thrives in various conditions, from woodland floors to old walls and tree trunks.
Physical Characteristics
Polypodium vulgare forms spreading colonies reaching 20-30cm (8-12 inches) in height. The leathery fronds grow from creeping rhizomes, creating natural groundcover. Each frond displays simple, deeply-cut divisions with distinctive round spore cases.
Growing Requirements
This versatile fern adapts to partial or full shade conditions. It grows well in various situations, including walls, rocks, and tree bark. The spreading rhizomes help establish stable colonies in suitable locations.
Seasonal Interest
Fresh fronds emerge in late summer, remaining green through winter. The distinctive spore cases develop golden-brown colours in autumn. Winter interest continues with evergreen foliage maintaining structure.
Garden Uses
The Common Polypody excels in various garden situations. It creates effective groundcover in woodland gardens and thrives on walls or rocks. The compact nature suits small spaces and container gardens.
Care and Maintenance
This low-maintenance fern needs minimal attention. Remove damaged fronds as needed throughout the year. Natural leaf fall provides sufficient nutrients in woodland settings.
Planting Tips
Plant in spring or autumn when conditions prove most favourable. Space plants 30cm (12 inches) apart to allow for spreading. Ensure good contact between rhizomes and growing surface.
Soil Requirements
Polypodium vulgare adapts to most soil types but prefers well-draining conditions. It tolerates both acidic and neutral soils. Growing on walls or trees reduces soil requirements significantly.
Companion Plants
This fern pairs beautifully with other woodland plants. Consider combining with wild primroses, wood anemones, and small bulbs. The evergreen fronds complement winter-flowering plants.
Container Growing
Though naturally spreading, the Common Polypody grows well in containers. Use shallow, wide pots with reliable drainage. Regular watering proves less crucial than for other ferns.
Problem Solving
This robust fern rarely encounters serious problems. Occasional brown fronds might appear during extended dry spells. Remove damaged growth to maintain appearance.
Climate Tolerance
The Common Polypody shows excellent hardiness, withstanding temperatures down to -25°C (-13°F). It performs well throughout the UK, particularly in areas with good air circulation.
Final Thoughts
Polypodium vulgare offers gardeners a versatile and reliable choice for challenging areas. Its adaptable nature, year-round presence, and low maintenance requirements make it valuable in various garden settings.
The combination of spreading habit and evergreen foliage creates lasting interest. Whether growing on walls, as groundcover, or in containers, the Common Polypody proves itself as an essential addition to natural garden designs.
The fern’s ability to colonise different surfaces, combined with its compact growth, makes it perfect for creating natural-looking plantings. Its presence adds depth and texture to areas where many plants struggle to establish.
Check out the RHS article here.
For more information on ferns for your garden please click here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How tall does Common Polypody grow?
A: Polypodium vulgare typically reaches heights of 20-30cm (8-12 inches). Its spreading habit creates effective groundcover while maintaining a manageable height.
Q: What growing conditions does Common Polypody prefer?
A: This adaptable fern thrives in partial to full shade. It grows well on walls, tree trunks, and rocks, preferring well-draining situations.
Q: How hardy is Common Polypody?
A: The Common Polypody withstands temperatures down to -25°C (-13°F). It remains evergreen through winter and adapts well to various UK climates.
Q: When should I plant Common Polypody?
A: Plant in spring or autumn when conditions support root establishment. The cooler temperatures and increased moisture help new plants settle in.
Q: Does it need much maintenance?
A: Once established, Common Polypody needs minimal care. Remove any brown or damaged fronds occasionally to maintain its appearance.
Q: Can I grow it in containers?
A: Yes, Common Polypody grows well in containers. Use shallow, wide pots with good drainage and a moisture-retentive growing medium.
Q: How quickly does it spread?
A: The fern spreads gradually through creeping rhizomes. It creates natural-looking colonies over several years without becoming invasive.
Q: What makes it different from other ferns?
A: Common Polypody stands out with its ability to grow on walls and trees. Its evergreen nature and distinctive spore patterns add year-round interest.
Q: Will it grow on my garden wall?
A: Yes, this fern often colonises walls naturally. Ensure some organic matter collects in cracks and crevices to support initial growth.
Q: What companion plants work well with it?
A: Common Polypody pairs beautifully with woodland plants like primroses and wood anemones. It also complements winter-flowering hellebores and early bulbs.