Polypodium 'Whitley Giant'

RHS Plant Profile
polypody 'Whitley Giant'

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A clump-forming, evergreen or semi-evergreen fern with arching, dark green fronds divided into long, narrowly lance-shaped leaflets (pinnae). New fronds emerge in summer rather than spring.

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam, Chalk

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Chalk
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Neutral or Alkaline

Position

Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H7

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Polypodiaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Semi evergreen, Evergreen
Habit
Clump forming
Genus
Polypodium can be evergreen or deciduous ferns, with creeping rhizomes bearing simple or pinnate fronds at intervals
Name Status
Unresolved

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist but free draining soil in partial shade. Will tolerate sun if the soil retains moisture. For more information see our guide how to grow ferns.

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

Generally not required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free