rock polypody
Polypodium virginianum
USDA zones3 to 8
SunHandles partial sun to full shade
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size6 to 12 inches tall6 to 12 inches wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Herb , fern
- Bloom color
- Non-flowering
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acidic (pH<6.8) , circumneutral (pH 6.8-7.2)
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Rock polypody (Polypodium virginianum) is a fern for rock gardens, shade gardens, and woodland settings. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes part sun to full shade and dry to moist, sandy, loamy, or chalky soil. It creeps to form dense mats and will cover mossy rocks. The small, leathery fronds stay evergreen. Deer and rabbits tend to browse other plants first.
Pairs well with Paradigm hosta, White phlox, and Autumn crocus.
Native range
Eastern Asia and North America.