Common polypody Polypodium vulgare 5-10 pot P9

Size: Potmaat leidend

5-10cm

|

Pot 9x9 cm (P9)

|

Available from: 03/02/2025

Number of m2

Nr. of plants

3.75

3.75 per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

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Nr. of plants

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2+ £4.20

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12+ -6.0% £3.95

24+ -8.3% £3.85

96+ -10.7% £3.75

Benefits according to our specialist

Low maintenance
Evergreen
Decorative foliage

Plant features
Description
Frequently Asked Questions
Planting and care
Packaging and shipping

Genus
Polypodium (view all varieties)

Root type
Pot

Pot size
9x9 cm (P9)

Possibilities
Border, Group planting, Underplanting

Soil type
Humus-rich soil

Positioning
Semi-shade, Shade

Winter hardiness
-23,3°C / -20,6°C, USDA zone 6a

Fruit-bearing plants
No

Water needs
Average water

Number of plants per m²
9

Evergreen plants
Yes

Leaf colour
Green

Fragrant plants
No

Growth habit
Clump-forming growth habit

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
5-10

Mature height (cm)
30

Art. no.
1000961

Description

Polypodium vulgare | Common polypody

Discover the elegant simplicity of Polypodium vulgare, known colloquially as common polypody or adder's fern. This charming evergreen fern is a versatile and low-maintenance addition to any shade garden, thriving in those cooler, less sun-drenched areas.

Key Features of Polypodium vulgare

Polypodium is a superb choice for creating a lush, green underplanting or for adding texture to a shaded border.
The adder's fern is a hardy evergreen that maintains its vibrant green foliage through all seasons, ensuring year-round interest in your garden.
Despite its delicate appearance, Polypodium vulgare has a robust clump-forming growth habit that makes it a durable ground cover.
Reaching an ultimate height of approximately 30 cm, it is perfectly suited for group plantings or as a low border along garden walkways.

Planting Tips for Polypodium vulgare

To ensure the health and vitality of your Polypodium vulgare, plant it in humus-rich soil that retains moisture without becoming waterlogged.
Position the fern in a location that receives partial to full shade for optimal growth.
While Polypodium vulgare has average water needs, it does not tolerate drought, so be sure to establish a consistent watering schedule.
Propagation by division is best done in spring or autumn to encourage rejuvenation and to expand your collection of this delightful fern.

Ideal placement of a Polypodium vulgare

Preferring the cool, dappled light of partial to full shade, Polypodium vulgare flourishes in locations shielded from the harshness of full sun. This fern thrives in humus-rich soil, which provides the necessary nutrients and moisture retention for optimal growth. The species is well-suited for border accents or group plantings, where its evergreen foliage can provide year-round interest. To maintain its health and vigor, ensure the soil remains moist, as it does not tolerate drought conditions well. Its clump-forming growth habit creates a lush understory when planted beneath the canopy of larger plants or trees.

How do I plant a Polypodium vulgare?

For successful establishment, plant Polypodium vulgare in humus-rich soil within areas that offer partial shade to full shade. Ideal for border accentuation or group plantings, its clump-forming growth habit ensures a lush, evergreen presence throughout the year. It reaches an ultimate height of 30 cm, requiring average water to maintain its vibrant green foliage. To plant, gently remove the fern from its pot and place it in a suitably sized hole, ensuring the crown of the plant is level with the soil surface. Water thoroughly after planting to encourage root development and settle the soil.

Pruning a Polypodium vulgare

Pruning is seldom necessary for Polypodium vulgare due to its clump-forming habit and moderate growth rate. Nonetheless, to maintain optimal health and appearance, any damaged or dead fronds can be removed in early spring, just before new growth begins. This species retains its lush green foliage throughout the seasons, contributing to its evergreen nature and providing year-round interest. Careful removal of older fronds will encourage fresh, vibrant growth, ensuring the plant continues to thrive in its shaded or partially shaded environment.

Watering a Polypodium vulgare

Polypodium vulgare thrives with consistent moisture, especially when establishing itself in a new location. Its evergreen fronds benefit from a regular watering schedule that keeps the humus-rich soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. During periods of high heat or extended dry spells, additional watering may be necessary to maintain the soil's moisture level. Avoid overhead watering to minimize wet foliage, which can provide a less than ideal condition for the fronds. Instead, direct water at the base of the plant to ensure the root system receives adequate hydration.

Fertilising a Polypodium vulgare

For the optimal health and vitality of Polypodium vulgare, fertilizing should be done with moderation, as its natural habitat is typically nutrient-poor. Enrich the soil annually with a thin layer of compost or a slow-release fertilizer formulated for woodland plants to mimic the nutrient profile of its native environment. This procedure should be carried out in early spring to support the evergreen's new growth phase. Given its preference for a humus-rich substrate, additional feeding is not generally necessary. Over-fertilizing can harm the plant and disrupt its natural growth patterns, so it's crucial to maintain a balance that encourages its lush, green foliage without overstimulating it.

The characteristics of a Polypodium vulgare

The Polypodium vulgare thrives in shaded environments, making it an ideal companion for garden spaces under trees or north-facing sites where other plants might struggle. Its hardy nature allows it to adapt to a variety of soil types, provided they are well-drained. The fern's evergreen fronds bring year-round verdancy to gardens, and its undemanding care requirements make it a favored choice for both novice and experienced gardeners seeking to enhance their green spaces with minimal effort.

Separating/dividing a Polypodium vulgare

To propagate Polypodium vulgare effectively, division is a recommended practice that fosters new growth and enhances plant health. Ideally, this should be carried out in the cooler months of spring or autumn. The process involves gently lifting the plant from its position, ensuring a clump of humus-rich soil adheres to the roots. Once removed, separate the clump into smaller segments, taking care to include a fair amount of roots with each division. These segments can then be replanted immediately, allowing the evergreen fronds to thrive in their preferred shady conditions. This method not only multiplies the plant but also invigorates the existing stock.

What will be the height of Polypodium vulgare?

Polypodium vulgare typically reaches a height of 10 to 50 centimeters when fully mature.

What will be the width of Polypodium vulgare?

Polypodium vulgare will reach a maximum spread of 50 centimeters to 1 meter.

Which soil type is most suitable for the Polypodium vulgare?

Polypodium vulgare thrives best in soil that is rich in humus. This type of soil provides the necessary nutrients and moisture retention for the optimal growth of this plant.

What is the ideal positioning for the Polypodium vulgare?

The ideal location for Polypodium vulgare would be an area with partial shade or shade. This plant thrives best in an environment where direct sunlight is limited, such as under the shelter of larger plants or in shaded areas of the garden.

Is the Polypodium vulgare hardy?

Yes, Polypodium vulgare is indeed winter hardy. With a tolerance for temperatures as low as -23.3°C to -20.1°C, this plant falls within USDA hardiness zone 6a. Therefore, Polypodium vulgare is well-suited to withstand the winter conditions in many regions, making it a reliable choice for colder climates.

Is the Polypodium vulgare evergreen?

Polypodium vulgare is indeed an evergreen plant. This means that it maintains its foliage throughout the year, adding a touch of green to your surroundings regardless of the season.

What is the growth strength of the Polypodium vulgare?

Polypodium vulgare typically takes 5 to 10 years to reach its ultimate height, reflecting a moderate growth rate over a relatively extended period.

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