- Plant Characteristics: Features leathery, green fronds that are deeply divided. This evergreen fern is known for its hardiness and ability to thrive in a variety of environments, making it a versatile addition to any garden.
- Growing & Care: Prefers partial to full shade and well-drained, humus-rich soil. Tolerant of dry shade once established, making it suitable for woodland gardens and underplanting beneath trees.
- Tips for New Gardeners: A low-maintenance choice for beginners. Ideal for adding greenery to shaded areas. Watch out for snails and slugs in damp conditions.
Polypodium vulgare, better known as Common Polypody or simply as Polypody, is a charming, low-growing fern that is loved for its easy care and graceful form.
Native to Europe, Asia, and North America, this evergreen perennial provides year-round interest, whether it be used as a ground cover or accent plant.
The Common Polypody typically reaches a height of about 9 to 12 inches (23 to 30 cm) and has a similar spread. Its lance-shaped, leathery, dark green fronds uncoil in a fascinating display, remaining attractive throughout the year.
Gardeners appreciate Polypodium vulgare for its ability to adapt to various conditions and its effective ground coverage. Hardy in USDA Zones 3 to 8 (RHS H7, hardy throughout Europe), it's an excellent choice for rock gardens, shaded borders, woodland gardens, and even containers.
How to Grow Polypodium vulgare in the Garden
Common Polypody prefers a location with partial to full shade. It thrives in well-drained soil and can tolerate a range of soil types, from sand to clay, and prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil.
Propagation of Polypodium vulgare is typically achieved through division in spring.
Once established, your Common Polypody requires minimal care. It is quite drought-tolerant once mature, but appreciates consistent moisture in the growing season. A layer of compost or well-rotted manure in spring can support its growth.
While Polypodium vulgare is generally pest and disease-free, it can sometimes be targeted by slugs and snails. Regular checks and prompt treatment can keep your fern healthy. Lastly, while Polypody is not known to be toxic, it's always best to prevent pets or children from ingesting the plant.
Growing as a Houseplant
This versatile fern can make for a houseplant. Place it in a location with indirect light or filtered sunlight. Maintain aa consistently moist soil by watering the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering and ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogging (to help prevent root rot).
Plants prefer a humidity level of around 50% or higher, so mist the fronds regularly, or use a humidifier. Maintain a temperature between 60°F to 75°F (15.5°C to 24°C), and provide good air circulation.
Title: Quick Polypodium vulgare Growing and Care Guide
Scientific Name: Polypodium vulgare.
Common Names: Common polypody, Rockcap fern, Wall fern.
Growing Zone (USA / UK Hardiness): USDA Zones: 5-8. RHS Hardiness Rating: H7 (Hardy).
Best Used For / Garden Location: Ideal for rock gardens, woodland gardens, or as a ground cover. Prefers shady, moist locations.
Plant Details
Life Cycle / Plant Type: Evergreen fern.
Plant Height: 8-12 inches (20-30 cm).
Plant Spread: 12-18 inches (30-45 cm).
Blooms: Ferns do not bloom.
Flower Details: Not applicable.
Leaf Foliage: Pinnately divided, leathery, dark green fronds.
Fruit: Not applicable. Produces spores for reproduction.
Growing Conditions and Location
Best Light Conditions: Partial to full shade.
Suitable Soil Types: Well-drained, moderately fertile, humus-rich, neutral to slightly acidic soil.
Sowing, planting: Plant divisions or spores in spring.
Germination time: Spores may take several months to a year to germinate.
Propagation: Propagate by division in spring or early autumn.
Plant Care: Water regularly, but avoid waterlogged conditions.
Growing in pots and containers: Suitable for containers. Ensure good drainage.
Growing as a House plant: Can be grown as a houseplant. Provide indirect light, high humidity, and keep the soil evenly moist.
Further Information
Miscellaneous: Attracts wildlife and is deer-resistant.
Pests and diseases: Generally disease-free, but watch for scale insects and rust.
Common Cultivars / Varieties: 'Bifido-cristatum' is a cultivar with deeply divided, crested fronds.
Family: Polypodiaceae, the Polypody family.
Native: Native to Europe, including the UK, and parts of Asia.
References and Further Reading: RHS Garden: Polypodium vulgare; NC Extension; Foraging for plants in Finland.
Common Questions
Does Polypodium vulgare make a good garden or landscaping plant?
Indeed, Polypodium vulgare, commonly known as common polypody, is an excellent choice for gardens. It's an attractive, evergreen fern that can bring a touch of woodland charm to shady spots in the landscape.
What is the perfect location to grow Polypodium vulgare?
Polypodium vulgare thrives in part to full shade in well-drained soil. It's well suited to rock gardens or as a ground cover in shady woodland gardens.
Is Polypodium vulgare invasive in the USA, if so in which states?
Polypodium vulgare is not considered invasive in the USA, it is a naturalized fern that commonly grows in many parts of the country without causing disruptions to local ecosystems.
How do I remove it from my garden?
To remove Polypody, simply dig up the plants, making sure to remove all the roots to prevent regrowth.
Summary
Polypodium vulgare, a European and African native fern, prefers part to full shade and well-drained, slightly acidic soil. It's a hardy evergreen fern that is ideal for rock gardens, woodland settings, or for use as a houseplant.
I hope that you have enjoyed reading this guide on how to grow Common Polypody. You may also enjoy the following growing fern guides: Using Macho Ferns Indoors, How To Grow Japanese Holly Fern, Dryopteris Erythrosora, Asparagus Fern, and Polystichum acrostichoides plants in the garden.
