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Garden Plants
Perennials
Asplenium
Evergreens

Asplenium scolopendrium

Often seen all over the UK from forests to gardens, and even growing out of brick walls, this fern is easy to recognise with its unusual fronds and distinctive sori pattern. In fact scolopendrium is derived from the Greek skolopendra, meaning a centipede or millipede as when the sori (spores) appear on the back of frond they look like the legs of a something from the Myriapod Subphylum. This fern has a very far spread which is unsurprising being a plant from the old world (millions of years ago), and even has history in folk medicine (1800s) , being used as a spleen tonic – hence the family’s common name spleenworts. These fens are generally very low maintenance however with all ferns i recommend removing spent fronds to keep the overall plant looking lush.

  • Botanical Name: Asplenium scolopendrium
  • Common Name: Hart’s Tongue Fern, Spleenwort
  • Flower Colour: None
  • Foliage Colour: Glossy green
  • Established Height: 30-45 cm
  • Established Spread: 30-60 cm
  • Life Cycle: Evergreen perennial fern
  • Sunlight: Shade to partial shade
  • Position: Woodland gardens, shady borders, walls, containers
  • Soil Acidity: Neutral to alkaline
  • Soil Type: Moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil
  • Toxicity: Non-toxic

£7.50

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Asplenium scolopendrium

Asplenium scolopendrium, commonly known as Hart’s Tongue Fern, is an elegant evergreen fern celebrated for its glossy, strap-shaped fronds and distinctive architectural form. The plant forms neat clumps of upright green leaves that create a fresh, structured display while adding texture and softness to shaded areas. Unlike many ferns, its simple undivided fronds provide a bold and unusual appearance that brings contrast to more delicate planting. Asplenium scolopendrium is well suited to woodland gardens, shady borders, walls, and containers, where its evergreen foliage can be fully appreciated. It thrives in shade to partial shade and performs particularly well in sheltered, moisture-retentive positions. Evergreen and low-maintenance, this versatile fern is an excellent choice for adding year-round structure, texture, and natural charm to garden spaces.

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