Polypodium vulgare

Polypodium vulgare

Why Buy Me?

• Woodland themed garden
• Easy to grow
• Likes shade

Growing Conditions

Light:
Prefers partial to full shade. Can tolerate deeper shade than many other ferns, making it ideal for woodland gardens or shaded walls.

Soil:
Thrives in well-drained, humus-rich soil. Prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH. Tolerates poor or rocky soils, including shallow soils over stone.

Exposure:
Performs well in sheltered locations. Hardy across the UK, tolerating cold winters and frosts.

Drought Tolerance:
Moderately drought-tolerant once established, particularly in shady environments. Benefits from occasional watering during prolonged dry periods.

Cultivation & Care

Planting Time:
Best planted in autumn or early spring.

Spacing:
Space plants approximately 30–45 cm (12–18 inches) apart. Mature height typically reaches 30–60 cm (12–24 inches) tall with a similar spread.

Watering & Fertilisation:
Water regularly during dry spells in the first growing season to establish roots. Little to no fertilisation needed; overly rich soils can reduce performance.

Mulching & Pruning:
Mulch with leaf mould or compost in spring to retain moisture and enrich the soil. Remove dead or damaged fronds in late winter or early spring to tidy the plant.

Propagation:
Propagate by division in spring or autumn. Can also be grown from spores, though this requires more time and specific conditions.

Seasonal Interest

Spring:
New fronds unfurl in tight curls (known as fiddleheads), offering textural interest.

Summer:
Evergreen in most climates; maintains lush green foliage throughout summer.

Autumn:
Foliage remains attractive and green into autumn.

Winter:
Fronds persist through winter in milder regions; may die back partially in harsher conditions but regrow in spring.

Wildlife & Garden Use

Wildlife:
Provides cover for insects and small creatures. Non-flowering, so not a major pollinator plant but contributes to overall habitat diversity.

Garden Use:
Excellent for shaded borders, underplanting trees, rock gardens, or wall crevices. Adds fine texture and evergreen structure to shaded areas.

Companion Plants:
Pairs well with:

• Helleborus

• Heuchera

• Epimedium

• Dryopteris

• Tiarella

Complements shade-loving plants with bolder foliage or early flowers, creating layered woodland or shade gardens.

Transform your home and garden with the Polypodium vulgare, a must-have for any season. Order online now for quick and easy shopping, or drop by your local Thompson's Branch to explore it up close and get personalised recommendation.