How to Grow and Care for Polypodies

Common polypody is a fern which grows well in moist, shady areas and spreads by creeping rhizome. It produces brightly hued evergreen foliage with spores on the undersides of the fronds. This fern makes a nice complement to flowerbeds, rose beds, and shady gardens.

Rock polypody (Polypodium virginianum) is a perennial evergreen plant that prefers moist, humus-rich soil that is well drained. Thrives in partial shade to full shade. It may be hard to grow in the beginning but with proper conditions will multiply with underground creeping rhizome roots.

Licorice Fern (Polypodium glycyrrhiza) is a perennial plant that is an evergreen species. Licorice Fern can grow to be 30 cm tall. It is commonly found growing on the trunks of deciduous trees and thrives in a humid climate. It has been popular amongst Aboriginal people for its sweet taste.

Southern polypody has the appearance characteristic of a fern. It is frequently planted in woodland, cottage, and rock gardens. Southern polypody is also used as ground cover in beds, borders, and underneath shrubs and roses. The spores on the underside of the leaves turn yellow in winter, giving it a highly unique appearance.

California polypody (Polypodium californicum) is indigenous to the western coast of North America, as indicated in both its common and scientific names' mentions of California. It proliferates along the shore and in mountains and foothills where there's sufficient moisture. It requires at least partial shade.