Pole fern - an adaptable ground cover
The fern, whose botanical name is Polypodium vulgare, delights gardeners with its carpet-like growth. Planted in shade or partial shade, these evergreen ferns are ideal as ground cover in rock gardens, where they also delight with their beautiful dark green leaf colour in the winter months.
Growth and colour
The leaves, arranged in fronds, are simply pinnate and rounded at the ends. This fern plant is known for the very firm surface of the foliage, which has an almost leathery appearance. The foliage is green all year round and does not change colour - a beautiful splash of colour in the garden. The fern grows flat, creeping and ground-covering very quickly. Shoots are formed quickly. The maximum height is 20 - 40 cm. The carpet-like growth of these ferns is slightly overhanging and also quickly grows up to 30 cm wide. If you buy this fern, you can also quickly and easily plant larger areas in your garden. As is typical of the genus, these ferns do not develop flowers, but reproduce via the yellowish spores on the underside of the leaves, which are dispersed by the wind.
Garden styles and combinations with ferns
Ferns in the garden suit different styles. As a ground-covering plant, the fern is particularly suitable for rustic stone gardens. Stone joints, walls and even individual stones can be landscaped with it all year round. These ferns are also very suitable as underplanting or for planting along verges. Combinations with other ferns and groundcover plants are possible without any problems and allow a wide range of design options in the garden.
Practical tips and care of ferns
The fern plant is hardy. It is important to choose a shady to semi-shady location for these ferns in the garden and avoid direct sunlight if possible. The plant is grateful if it is allowed to remain in the same place for many years, where it can delight with its dark green fronds. If you buy this fern, you will need about 4-5 plants per running metre or 9 plants per square metre. This way you will quickly achieve a covering growth. Polypodium vulgare, which comes in pots, can be planted at any time of year. It is best to use normal, well-drained potting soil for the fern plant. Soil that is low in lime and nutrients but rich in humus should be provided if you want to buy this fern and plant it in your garden.
In a suitable shady or semi-shady location without noticeable sunlight, this fern plant is very adaptable and requires little care, it is also resistant to frost and dehydration. These evergreen ferns do not require pruning.
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