Boggy / Chalky / Alkaline / Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy
The evergreen hart's tongue fern, Asplenium scolopendrium, grows wild in shaded areas, often forming large drifts beneath trees among rocks and streams where its upright pointed 'tongues' contrast strikingly with the softer shapes of damp-loving wild flowers. In gardens, the plants are good for shaded wild areas, and are also invaluable for year round interest among shrubs or other shade and moisture loving perennials.
Once planted, Asplenium scolopendrium grows slowly and needs little attention apart from annual mulching and tidying in spring. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM).
Plant calendar
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Plant
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
Divide
yes
yes
yes
Asplenium and wildlife
Asplenium has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.
