Polypodium cambricum

RHS Plant Profile
Welsh polypody

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Other common names

southern polypody

Synonyms

Polypodium australe, Polypodium vulgare 'Cambricum'

Ferns
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A semi-evergreen fern that grows up to 60cm in height. It has mid-to bright green, triangular fronds that are deeply cut into feathery leaflets. It reproduces via spores, which are contained in sori. These sori are yellow to orange in winter and are located on the underside of the fronds

Position

Full shade, Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full shade Partial shade
Aspect
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
Yes
Foliage
Semi evergreen
Habit
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
Europe

How to Grow

Cultivation

Easy to grow in most cool, moist, lightly shaded sites and will grow in full sun if given plenty of moisture. Tolerant of dry shade but water regularly in their first season and mulch well. See how to grow ferns for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by division or spores

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Wildlife gardens
  • Banks and slopes
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

No pruning required, but old or faded fronds can be removed if necessary

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free