Asplenium scolopendrium (Hart’s Tongue Fern)

Noted for the straight, pure line of its fronds and its tropical appearance, Asplenium scolopendrium (Hart’s Tongue Fern) is an evergreen fern forming a pretty rosette of arching, strap-shaped, bright green fronds. Unusual for a fern, the fronds are undivided, giving the plant a substantial appearance. They remain lush and fresh-looking throughout the year. On mature fronds, the underside is handsomely marked with conspicuous brown stripes, the sori that contain the plant’s spores.

Low maintenance, pest-free, Hart’s Tongue Fern enjoys a long season of interest – including winter when it adds a sparkle to the dullest of winter gardens.

• Clump-forming, it easily grows up to 12-18 in. tall and wide (30-45 cm).
• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society for its outstanding qualities
• A part to full shade lover, it is best grown in fertile, humus-rich, moist, well-drained soils. Excellent drainage is required, and limestone-based soil is best, rather than acidic. Mulch around the plants with compost to keep the soil moisture even
• This plant is a great choice for shady beds, borders, underplanting of roses and shrubs, cottage gardens or city gardens, woodlands, and containers. Excellent for edging or as groundcover too.
• Rabbit and deer tolerant!
• Dead or damaged fronds may be removed as necessary.
• Propagate by sowing spores in mid to late summer or by division in spring. Peeled leaf bases can be removed from where the stem joins with the root. Old leaf bases that are green at the base are incubated in a plastic bag of loam-based media. Green swellings can be found and potted to raise new plants.
• Native to Europe, eastern US.