How big does Common polypody grow?

About 30 cm × 60 cm after ten years (height × width).

Is Common polypody hardy?

Hardy down to -29 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

How much water does Common polypody need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: medium.

How much does Common polypody cost?

It sells for roughly €8 to €15 in local shops, depending on size.

Common polypody

Polypodium vulgare

Common polypody (Polypodium vulgare) is a perennial that reaches 30 cm × 60 cm after ten years. Light: part shade, shade. Hardy down to -29 °C. Drought tolerance: medium. Sold in local shops from about €8.

Illustration of Common polypody — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

Common polypody is a small evergreen fern that creeps slowly on its rhizome to weave a loose mat over mossy rocks, stone walls and the bases of trees. Plant it in shade or part shade in loose, humus-rich, well-drained soil; once established it puts up with dry shade under trees. It is slow, so set several plants together and water them in the first years.

Watch out for

It has no serious pests or diseases. In a long drought the fronds curl and may brown, but it resprouts from the rhizome after rain; do not plant it in baking sun or in waterlogged soil.

Key facts

Light: Part shade, Shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 30 cm × 60 cm
Hardiness: down to -29 °C
Foliage: Evergreen

Group	Perennial
Light	Part shade, Shade
Size after 10 years	30 cm × 60 cm
Ultimate size	15–50 cm × 0.3–1 m
Hardiness	down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Sandy, Acidic
Foliage	Evergreen
Flowering	no data
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no data
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	30 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	no data
Typical price	from about €8

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
15-25 cm	approx. €8
15 cm	approx. €15

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 13, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Ground cover plants for shade Ground cover plants Plants for shade Perennials for part shade Evergreen plants Low-maintenance perennials