Asplenium scolopendrium (syn. phyllitis s.) 'CRISTATUM' hart's tongue fern, parsley spleenwort

Cristatum is a hart’s tongue fern variety with heavily crested leaves of irregular shape. The leaf blades are not elongated as on the species and are shorter, only some 20-30 cm long. The plants form smaller, denser tufts which look like a pretty lettuce in an ornamental garden or like a coral reef plant. The leaves are evergreen, leathery, glossy, medium green, and withstand deep frost without damage, only during very cold spells they may wilt and lie on the ground awaiting warmer weather when they straighten up again.

It is cultivated in semi-shaded or shaded locations with moist but well-drained, cool soil of preferably alkaline pH (lime-based) but will even grow in slightly acidic soil. It needs deep soil rich in organic matter which may sound strange when you see it growing happily in a crevice of a rock, but you never know how deep or moist it is there. These ferns respond well to fertilizing: the more nutrients – the bigger leaves. Though they can withstand heavy frosts we suggest cutting off all leaves in spring to encourage new growths. Hardy to about -29 °C (USDA zone 5).

Last update 13-02-2010; 01-12-2021