Not the plant you're looking for? Search over 300,000 plants
Ferns
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Loam
Chalk
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Neutral, AlkalineColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Polypodiaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Polypodium can be evergreen or deciduous ferns, with creeping rhizomes bearing simple or pinnate fronds at intervals
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moderately fertile, humus-rich, neutral to alkaline, well-drained soil in light shade. Shelter from cold, drying winds. See how to grow ferns for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by division
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning
No pruning required, but old or faded fronds can be removed if necessary
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.