Alphabetical Plant Listing

Polypodium vulgare (Common Polypody)

Common Polypody, Adder's Fern, Brake Root, Eastern Polypody, Ever Fern, Golden Locks, Golden Maidenhair, Lady's Milk, Polypody, Wall Fern, Word Fern


Polypodium vulgare (Common Polypody) is an evergreen fern with attractive leathery, lance-shaped, bright green fronds, cut deeply on both sides of their central leaf rib. The spores line the backs of the fronds in double rows of rusty orange clumps (sori). Remaining lush and fresh-looking throughout the season, Common Polypody spreads by creeping rhizomes and colonizes at will on trees and as a groundcover - without being invasive. Gracing cottage gardens, rock gardens or woodland gardens, Common Polypody provides four seasons of interest and is also effective as a companion to other shade-loving ferns, perennials, and wildflowers. Adaptable and dependable, it is not fussy about soil types and conditions, making it an accommodating and low-maintenance garden plant.

  • Grows up to 12 in. tall (30 cm) and 3 ft. wide (90 cm) or more. Under the right conditions, Common Polypody will spread, gently expanding its presence in the garden.
  • A full sun to part shade lover, it is best grown in moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soils. Tolerant of dry shade but water regularly in the first season and mulch well. Shelter from cold winds.
  • This plant is a great choice for shady beds and borders, underplanting of roses and shrubs, cottage gardens, rock gardens or woodland gardens.
  • Virtually pest and disease free. Deer resistant.
  • Dead or damaged fronds may be removed as necessary.
  • Propagate by division in spring or early summer. Sow spores at 43-59°F (15-16°C) when ripe.
  • Native to Eurasia.

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Requirements

Hardiness 6 – 8
Heat Zones 6 – 8
Climate Zones 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, A2, A3
Plant Type Ferns
Plant Family Polypodium - Ferns
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 10" – 1' (25cm – 30cm)
Spread 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm)
Spacing 36" (90cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Native Plants United Kingdom
Tolerance Deer
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage

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Bildagentur Zoonar GmbH, Arousa, Shutterstock

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.


Requirements

Hardiness 6 – 8
Heat Zones 6 – 8
Climate Zones 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, A2, A3
Plant Type Ferns
Plant Family Polypodium - Ferns
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 10" – 1' (25cm – 30cm)
Spread 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm)
Spacing 36" (90cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Native Plants United Kingdom
Tolerance Deer
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage

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