Common Polypody

Plant in a shaded or partially shaded position with good drainage. Unlike most ferns, polypody dislikes waterlogged soil and naturally grows in free-draining positions such as tree stumps, moss-covered walls, and rocky banks. Set the creeping rhizome on or just below the surface of humus-rich, well-drained soil or compost. In garden borders, mix leaf mould and coarse bark into the planting area. Polypody tolerates drier conditions than most ferns, especially in winter. Water during prolonged dry spells in summer, when the old fronds die back naturally. New fronds appear in late summer and persist through winter and spring. Tuck rhizome sections into crevices in stone walls, tree fern trunks, or log piles for a naturalistic woodland effect. No feeding is needed in enriched soil.

Remove the old, withered fronds in midsummer as they die back naturally. This makes room for the new season's growth emerging in late summer. No other pruning is needed.