Asplenium scolopendrium (syn. phyllitis s.) hart's tongue fern
size/type
low perennial,low perennial
usual height
0,3-0,4m
usual width
0,4-0,5m
leaves
evergreen broadleaf
colour of leaves
location
semi-shade to shade
soil type
neutral to alkaline
soil moisture requirements
evenly moist but well-drained
USDA zone (lowest)
5 (down to -29°C)
winter protection
for zone 5+6
for zone 7
categorized
Description of the plant:
Hart’s tongue fern is an attractive species with large, evergreen leaves. It was widespread in Europe, West Asia, and North America but in some locations including Czech Republic it is already listed among endangered species. Hart’s tongue fern is the only hardy fern with entire foliage, suitable for our C.E. climate though it bears close resemblance to its subtropical relatives. Its evergreen leaves are not divided into small, individual leaflets forming a showy frond as in case of other fern species, but make one wide, bright green, and glossy leaf. The species has smooth, slightly wavy margins while cultivars vary significantly. These leaves can take deep frost without damage, only during very cold spells they 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
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GLOSSARY
- STANDARD QUALITY - Plants of this group are 1st class quality with number of branches and overall density adequate to their size and age, considering they were container grown.
- DE LUXE QUALITY - This label guarantees a luxurious quality of manually selected plants that, compared to their height and age, are exceptionally dense and beautiful.
- EXTRA - These plants are usually mature and bigger specimens with exceptional overall appearance.
- STANDARD (as described in the plant form) means a tree with a trunk of 190-210 cm and a crown at the top, unless specified differently. The commercial size for trees is their girth measured in the height of 1m from ground.
- HOBBY - These plants are of the same quality as our standard-quality plants but younger and therefore cheaper.
- SHRUB - a woody plant with branches growing bushy from the ground level.
- HALF-STANDARD or MINI-STANDARD - a small tree with shorter trunk, its size is usually specified.
- FEATHERED - These are trees with branches growing already from the base of the trunk and up along the stem.
- GRASSES and PERENNIALS - Sizes given usually read the diameter of the pot or the clump, as specified.
