Common Polypody
Polypodium vulgare 'Ulleung Island'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Fern
Height
12 inches
Width
36 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Consistently moist
Humidity
High humidity preferred
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Ulleung Island, Korea
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
The Story
Plant Bio
Polypodium vulgare, commonly known as common polypody, is a hardy, evergreen fern with gracefully arching fronds that display a pinnate leaf structure and small, sori-covered sporangia on the undersides of the leaflets. A vigorous and robust selection from Ulleung Island, Korea, noted for being larger than the species with wider pinnae (leaflets). It forms a superb, rapidly spreading patch of evergreen foliage.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a shaded spot with moist, well-drained soil.
- Tuck spores or small plants into the soil, keeping roots moist.
- Mist the fronds regularly to maintain humidity.
- Ensure soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged.
- Mulch lightly to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Transplant in early spring for best establishment.
Pro Tip
Keep soil consistently moist and provide high humidity for optimal growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Mist fronds to increase humidity
- Mulch to conserve moisture
Don't
- Avoid letting soil dry out completely ❌
- Don’t expose to direct, harsh sunlight
- Avoid over-fertilizing
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Common Polypody questions
What zones can Common Polypody grow in?
Common Polypody is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Common Polypody deer resistant?
Yes — Common Polypody is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Common Polypody bloom?
Common Polypody typically blooms in early spring through early spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Common Polypody need full sun?
Common Polypody does best in part shade.
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Common Polypody with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
