Asplenium scolopendrium – The Elegant Hart’s Tongue Fern
Asplenium scolopendrium, commonly known as Hart’s Tongue Fern, is a striking evergreen fern valued for its simple, strap-shaped fronds and architectural presence. Unlike many ferns with finely divided foliage, Hart’s Tongue features long, undivided, glossy green leaves that rise gracefully from the crown, creating a bold, sculptural effect. It thrives in shady, moist conditions, making it ideal for woodland gardens, shaded borders, and underplanting beneath trees or shrubs.
With its low-maintenance nature, evergreen habit, and graceful form, Asplenium scolopendrium is perfect for adding texture and year-round interest to shady garden areas.
Why Grow Asplenium scolopendrium?
Bold, Evergreen Fronds – The strap-like, glossy green fronds provide year-round structure and a strong visual statement in shade gardens, contrasting beautifully with delicate ferns or flowering perennials.
Architectural Form – Upright, tongue-shaped leaves form neat clumps, giving the plant a tidy, sculptural appearance that works well in borders, woodland edges, and container plantings.
Shady Garden Performer – Thrives in part-shade to full shade, tolerating conditions that many flowering plants struggle with. Ideal for brightening darker corners of the garden.
Low Maintenance and Hardy – Once established, Hart’s Tongue Fern requires minimal care. It is tolerant of a range of soils, including clay, loam, and sandy conditions, as long as they remain moist and well-drained.
Great Companion Plant – Perfect for woodland-style plantings, under trees, or alongside hostas, pulmonarias, and other shade-loving plants.
Height and Spread of Asplenium scolopendrium
Hart’s Tongue Fern typically grows to 30–60cm (12–24 inches) in height, with a spread of 30–45cm (12–18 inches). Clumps form gradually over time, creating a bold, architectural presence in shaded areas.
Where to Site Your Asplenium scolopendrium
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Shaded Borders: Perfect for areas under trees, along fences, or beside walls.
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Woodland Gardens: A natural choice for shaded, moist woodland-style planting.
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Containers: Can be grown in pots for patios or shaded terraces.
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Rock Gardens: Performs well in shaded rockeries or crevices.
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Moist Sites: Thrives in consistently damp soils without standing water.
How to Grow and Care for Your Asplenium scolopendrium
Soil – Prefers moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil. Tolerates clay and loam, but avoid waterlogged sites. Adding organic matter improves performance.
Light – Thrives in part-shade to full shade. Avoid direct, hot sunlight, which can scorch the fronds.
Watering – Keep the soil evenly moist, particularly during dry spells. Young plants benefit from regular watering until established.
Maintenance
Pruning: Remove any dead or damaged fronds to maintain a tidy appearance.
Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch to conserve moisture and protect roots.
Pests & Diseases: Very few issues; generally pest- and disease-resistant.
Perfect Plant Combinations
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Shade-Loving Perennials: Pair with Hosta, Heuchera, Pulmonaria, or Brunnera.
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Woodland Plants: Complements ferns, primulas, and spring bulbs in shaded areas.
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Evergreen Groundcover: Works well with ivy or pachysandra for year-round greenery.
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Textural Contrast: Contrasts beautifully with finely textured grasses or flowering plants.
Conclusion
Asplenium scolopendrium (Hart’s Tongue Fern) is a graceful, evergreen fern that provides architectural structure and texture in shady gardens. Its bold, strap-shaped fronds, low-maintenance nature, and adaptability make it an excellent choice for woodland borders, shaded beds, and container planting.
Does the height include the pot?
No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description
How long does delivery take?
Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.
Where will you leave my plants?
We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.
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