• Polypodium vulgare
  • Polypodium vulgare
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Polypodium vulgare

Common polypody

A hardy evergreen fern that brings natural texture and year-round greenery to shaded gardens.

Supplied as an established plant in a 3 litre pot

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Polypodium vulgare
Polypodium vulgare

Aspect

partial shade to full shade

Hardiness

Fully hardy in the UK

Flowers

Evergreen

Soil

loam, chalk, sandy soil

About this plant

  • Description

    A tough and attractive evergreen fern with leathery green fronds that spread gently to create natural-looking ground cover in shaded areas. Ideal for woodland gardens, walls and underplanting.

  • Why we like it

    “

    This versatile native fern is perfect for adding year-round texture and greenery to difficult shady spots. Its spreading habit works beautifully beneath trees, along woodland paths or tucked into walls and rock gardens.

Specs & details

The particulars

Botanical name
Polypodium vulgare
Common name
Common polypody
Supplied as
3 litre pot
Flowering period
Evergreen
Habit
Spreading evergreen fern
Hardiness
Fully hardy in the UK
Aspect
partial shade to full shade
Soil type
loam, chalk, sandy soil
Moisture
moist but well-drained
Position
woodland edge, shaded wall, underplanting

Planting & care

Help it thrive

Planting guide

Plant in spring or autumn into humus-rich, well-drained soil. It thrives in shady conditions and benefits from added leaf mould or compost at planting time.

Care tips

Keep soil moist while establishing and mulch annually to maintain soil fertility. Avoid planting in dry exposed sites for best growth.

Winter care

This hardy fern needs very little winter attention. Remove damaged fronds in late winter if required and avoid overly wet conditions around the roots.