Overview
Asplenium scolopendrium is a tufted ferns in the genus Asplenium, part of the Aspleniaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 5-10 years. Asplenium scolopendrium grows best in full shade and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and alkaline and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include cottage and informal gardens and city and courtyard gardens. It is native to Belgium, Brussels-Capital Region, Flemish Region, Walloon Region and Flanders.
About
Asplenium scolopendrium, commonly known as hart's tongue fern, is an evergreen fern with a tufted habit. It typically grows to a height and spread of 0.1 to 0.5 metres, reaching full size within 5 to 10 years. This fern thrives in full or partial shade, favouring north, west, or east-facing aspects, and can tolerate both exposed and sheltered locations. It prefers moist but well-drained soils, including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, with alkaline to neutral pH. Its season of interest spans spring and winter.
About the genus
Asplenium is a genus of about 700 species of ferns, often treated as the only genus in the family Aspleniaceae, though other authors consider Hymenasplenium separate, based on molecular phylogenetic analysis of DNA sequences, a different chromosome count, and structural differences in the rhizomes. The type species for the genus is Asplenium marinum.
Wikipedia contributors, "Asplenium", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Asplenium
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Asplenium
- Sunlight
- Full shade, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Asplenium scolopendrium size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Ferns
- Habit
- Tufted
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal gardens, City and courtyard gardens
- Native to
- Belgium, Brussels-Capital Region, Flemish Region, Walloon Region, Flanders
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Asplenium scolopendrium
- Cultivation
- Prefers shaded, moist environments with well-drained alkaline to neutral soils; avoid waterlogging; mulch to retain moisture
- Pruning
- Remove dead or damaged fronds in spring to maintain appearance
- Propagation
- Division, Spores
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Asplenium scolopendrium?
Prefers shaded, moist environments with well-drained alkaline to neutral soils; avoid waterlogging; mulch to retain moisture.
Where is the best place to plant Asplenium scolopendrium?
Asplenium scolopendrium prefers full shade and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Asplenium scolopendrium need?
Asplenium scolopendrium is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It prefers alkaline and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Asplenium scolopendrium?
Remove dead or damaged fronds in spring to maintain appearance.
How big does Asplenium scolopendrium grow?
Asplenium scolopendrium reaches a height of 0.1-0.5 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 5-10 years to reach full size.
Is Asplenium scolopendrium hardy in the UK?
Asplenium scolopendrium has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Asplenium scolopendrium?
Division, Spores.
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