Hart’s Tongue Fern (Asplenium scolopendrium) is a graceful and hardy fern that brings sculptural, evergreen interest to shaded and damp garden spots. It stands out with its unique undivided fronds, easy maintenance, and suitability for difficult shady conditions.
Asplenium scolopendrium, or Hart’s Tongue Fern, is an elegant evergreen fern prized for its undivided, strap-shaped fronds. The leathery, glossy green leaves rise in neat rosettes, often with gently wavy margins and pointed tips, giving a tropical appearance to shade gardens.
Unlike many ferns, its fronds are entire (undivided), making it bold and architectural. Typically, it reaches 30–60 cm (12–24 in) in both height and spread. Sori (spore clusters) appear beneath the fronds as distinctive brown stripes, resembling centipede legs—hence the species name scolopendrium, derived from Greek for centipede.
Awarded the RHS Award of Garden Merit, it’s known for reliability, evergreen structure, and low maintenance in shady spaces.
Light & Position: Best in partial to full shade; tolerates deep shade. Avoid bright midday sun which can scorch fronds.
Soil: Prefers humus-rich, moist but well-drained soils, especially alkaline or neutral pH, often favoring limestone or chalky substrate.
Hardiness: Suitable for USDA Zones 4–9 (RHS H6–H7), tolerating continental and maritime climates; evergreen in milder winters, semi-evergreen where colder.
Maintenance: Very low-care; simply remove old or damaged fronds in late winter or early spring. Occasionally divide clumps or sow spores for propagation.
Pests/Diseases: Generally pest-free; may rarely develop rust-like disease in mild, wet winters.
Garden Settings: Perfect for woodland gardens, shaded borders, rockeries, underplanting shrubs or roses, and shaded patios or containers.
Companion Plants: Harmonizes well with Hostas, Heucheras, Pulmonaria, Epimedium, as well as other shade-loving ferns like Dryopteris and Polystichum.
Decorative Appeal: Adds year-round structure, particularly appealing in winter or damp garden corners where most greenery falters.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Common Names | Hart’s Tongue Fern, buttonhole, burnt weed |
| Foliage | Glossy, strap‑shaped, undivided green fronds |
| Size | ~30–60 cm tall and wide |
| Habit | Evergreen clump, neat rosette |
| Light Preference | Partial to full shade (shallow sun avoid) |
| Soil & Moisture | Humus-rich, moist yet well-drained, lime‑friendly |
| Hardiness | Zones 4–9 / RHS H6–H7 |
| Care Level | Low; prune old fronds, occasional division |
| Use | Shaded borders, woodland schemes, containers |
| Wildlife | Provides shelter to insects; frost-protected ground cover |
Hart’s Tongue Fern (Asplenium scolopendrium) is a graceful and hardy fern that brings sculptural, evergreen interest to shaded and damp garden spots. It stands out with its unique undivided fronds, easy maintenance, and suitability for difficult shady conditions.
| Size | 1 Litre, 2 Litre, 3 Litre, 5 Litre, 10 Litre |
|---|
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