Asplenium scolopendrium: Hart's Tongue Fern
Hart’s Tongue Fern
Synonym: Phyllitis scolopendrium
Position
- Partial to full shade
- Sheltered from strong winds
- Suitable for woodland gardens and shady borders
- Can be grown in wall crevices or rocky areas
Hardiness
- Tolerates temperatures down to -20°C (-4°F)
- Evergreen in sheltered positions
- Performs well in a variety of UK climates
Soil Type
- Well-draining, rich soil
- Thrives in alkaline soils, particularly in lime-rich areas
- Can adapt to lighter clay or chalk soils
- Dislikes heavy, waterlogged conditions
Soil PH
- Prefers alkaline to neutral pH
- Ideally suited to slightly alkaline conditions
Height
- Height: 30-60cm (12-24 inches)
- Spread: 30-45cm (12-18 inches)
- Forms dense clumps over time
Seasons of Interest
- Fresh growth appears in spring with vibrant green fronds
- Maintains colour throughout the growing season
- Evergreen nature provides year-round interest
- No flowering since it is primarily ornamental for foliage
Foliage:
- Strap-like, glossy fronds with a deep green colour
- Distinctive shape with a rosette growth pattern
- Remains attractive throughout the year
Additional Notes
- Low maintenance once established; minimal care required
- Regular mulching can help retain soil moisture
- Excellent for encouraging wildlife, providing shelter and habitat
- Can be susceptible to crown rot in overly wet conditions
- Thrives in cooler, damp climates and suits urban gardens well
- Non-invasive and makes a great addition to both traditional and contemporary garden designs
- Great for low-light areas where other plants may struggle to thrive
Asplenium scolopendrium: Hart’s Tongue Fern
The Hart’s Tongue Fern stands as one of Britain’s most distinctive native ferns. This evergreen beauty, holding the prestigious RHS Award of Garden Merit, brings unique strap-like fronds to shaded gardens.
Physical Characteristics
Asplenium scolopendrium forms rosettes of glossy, undivided fronds reaching 30-60cm (12-24 inches) in height. The bright green, tongue-shaped leaves create bold architectural shapes. Brown spore patterns line the underside of mature fronds.
Growing Requirements
This adaptable fern thrives in partial to full shade conditions. It grows particularly well in lime-rich soils but tolerates various situations. The compact root system suits both garden borders and wall crevices.
Seasonal Interest
Fresh fronds emerge in spring, unfurling to reveal bright green colouration. Summer sees the leaves develop a glossy finish. Winter interest continues as the evergreen foliage maintains structure.
Garden Uses
The Hart’s Tongue Fern excels in various garden situations. It creates striking features in woodland gardens and shaded borders. The distinctive leaves work well in walls, rockeries, and container displays.
Care and Maintenance
This low-maintenance fern needs minimal attention once established. Remove damaged fronds as needed throughout the year. Annual mulching helps maintain soil moisture and improves growing conditions.
Planting Tips
Plant in spring or autumn when soil conditions prove most favourable. Space plants 30cm (12 inches) apart to allow for mature spread. Ensure good soil preparation with added organic matter.
Soil Requirements
Asplenium scolopendrium adapts to most soil types but prefers alkaline conditions. It grows well in both chalk and clay soils. Good drainage helps prevent winter rot issues.
Companion Plants
This fern pairs beautifully with other shade-lovers. Consider combining with hellebores, pulmonaria, and spring bulbs. The evergreen fronds complement woodland plants throughout the year.
Container Growing
The Hart’s Tongue Fern grows successfully in containers. Use pots at least 30cm (12 inches) deep with reliable drainage. Regular watering proves essential for container specimens.
Problem Solving
This robust fern rarely encounters serious problems. Occasional brown fronds might appear during extended dry spells. Remove damaged growth promptly to maintain appearance.
Climate Tolerance
The Hart’s Tongue Fern shows excellent hardiness, withstanding temperatures down to -20°C (-4°F). It performs well throughout the UK, particularly in sheltered locations.
Final Thoughts
Asplenium scolopendrium offers gardeners a versatile and reliable choice for shaded areas. Its unique form, evergreen nature, and adaptability make it valuable in various garden settings. This low-maintenance fern brings architectural interest and dependable performance to challenging shade conditions.
The combination of glossy, strap-like fronds and year-round presence creates lasting appeal. Whether growing in walls, borders, or containers, the Hart’s Tongue Fern proves itself as an essential addition to any shade garden design.
The fern’s ability to thrive in various conditions, combined with its distinctive appearance, makes it perfect for both traditional and contemporary gardens. Its presence adds sophistication and structure to areas where many plants struggle to establish.
Check out the RHS article here.
For more information on ferns for your garden please click here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How tall does Hart’s Tongue Fern grow?
A: Asplenium scolopendrium typically reaches 30-60cm (12-24 inches) in height. The strap-like fronds form attractive rosettes that maintain good shape throughout the year.
Q: What growing conditions does this fern prefer?
A: This adaptable fern thrives in partial to full shade. It grows particularly well in alkaline soils but tolerates most conditions if drainage remains good.
Q: How hardy is Hart’s Tongue Fern?
A: This tough native fern withstands temperatures down to -20°C (-4°F). It stays evergreen through winter and performs well throughout the UK.
Q: Will it grow in my garden wall?
A: Yes, Hart’s Tongue Fern grows excellently in wall crevices. The compact root system establishes well in lime mortar joints and natural stone walls.
Q: Does it need much maintenance?
A: Once established, Hart’s Tongue Fern needs minimal care. Remove any damaged fronds and apply mulch annually to maintain soil moisture.
Q: Can I grow it in containers?
A: Yes, this fern grows well in containers. Use pots at least 30cm (12 inches) deep with good drainage holes and quality potting mix.
Q: How often should I water it?
A: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish strong roots. Established plants need watering only during prolonged dry spells.
Q: What plants combine well with Hart’s Tongue Fern?
A: This fern pairs beautifully with hellebores, pulmonaria, and woodland bulbs. The glossy, evergreen fronds provide year-round structure among seasonal plants.
Q: How do I deal with brown fronds?
A: Simply trim off any brown or damaged fronds at their base. New growth will emerge during the growing season to maintain the plant’s appearance.
Q: Why did my fern receive the RHS Award of Garden Merit?
A: The award recognizes this fern’s outstanding garden performance, reliability, and excellent growing characteristics. It proves consistently good in UK gardens.