Polypodium scouleri
leathery polypody
A slightly tender, spreading, evergreen fern with broadly ovate to triangular, leathery, thick, glossy, dark green fronds. Only grows to around 30cm in height but can spread to form a clump over 1 metre wide, in ideal conditions
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drained, Moist but well–drainedpH
Neutral, Alkaline, AcidColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full shade
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Polypodiaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Matforming, Clump forming
- Genus
Polypodium can be evergreen or deciduous ferns, with creeping rhizomes bearing simple or pinnate fronds at intervals
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Western N America
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in a reasonably fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in partial to full shade. Shelter from cold, drying winds and protect with a dry winter mulch such as straw or lift and overwinter in a cool greenhouse. See how to grow tender ferns outdoors for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by division or spores
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- Cottage and informal garden
- City and courtyard gardens
- Low Maintenance
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
- Ground cover
- Flower borders and beds
- Banks and slopes
Pruning
Remove any dying fronds as necessary.
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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