Tongvaren (Asplenium Scolopendrium)

What is a Hart's Tongue Fern?

The Hart's Tongue Fern, botanically known as Asplenium scolopendrium, is a striking presence in the world of ferns. Unlike most ferns with their deeply incised, feathery leaves, the Hart's Tongue Fern has smooth, undivided leaves with a wavy edge. These glossy, leathery leaves are reminiscent of green tongues, from which the plant derives its Dutch name. It is a true ornamental plant that occurs naturally in damp forests and on calcareous walls.

At Planten247, we greatly appreciate this garden plant for its architectural value. The leaves grow in a graceful rosette from the heart of the plant, giving the garden a calm and structured effect. Whether you use it in a modern city garden or a lush woodland garden, the Hart's Tongue Fern instantly brings atmosphere and character to any shady spot with its deep green color and unique texture.

The benefits of a Hart's Tongue Fern?

Choosing an Asplenium scolopendrium brings many benefits for the design of your outdoor space:

• Green year-round: As an evergreen plant, the Hart's Tongue Fern provides color even during the grey winter months.
• Versatile use: Extremely suitable as a border plant, but also very popular as a rock garden plant.
• Very low maintenance: The plant is undemanding and hardly needs pruning.
• Strong shade plant: One of the few plants that thrives even in deep shade and on thrives in difficult spots.

What to look for when buying a Hart's Tongue Fern?

When buying a Hart's Tongue Fern, it is important to pay attention to the firmness and sheen of the leaves. Healthy specimens have a deep, even green color without brown spots or damaged edges. Because the Hart's Tongue Fern prefers calcareous soil, it is advisable to also look for the right soil conditioners when purchasing. At Planten247, we only supply Hart's Tongue Ferns with a strong root system, so that the plant can get off to a good start in your garden immediately after delivery.

Hart's Tongue Fern Winter Hardy

The Hart's Tongue Fern is exceptionally winter hardy and is fully adapted to the weather conditions in our region. It can tolerate severe frost very well. In very extreme cold, the leaves may sometimes droop slightly, but as soon as the temperature rises, the plant recovers quickly. The robustness of Asplenium scolopendrium makes it a reliable choice for the long term.

Hartvaren Evergreen

One of the Hart's When planting, use approximately 7 to 9 plants per square meter for a beautifully filling result in the border.

How do I care for my Hart's Tongue Fern?

Caring for the Hart's Tongue Fern is very simple. In early spring, you can cut back any damaged or old leaves to the base to make room for the new 'curls' emerging from the heart. The plant loves constant moisture, so water in a timely manner during dry summers. An annual application of some lime and organic fertilizer in the spring keeps the leaves deep green and glossy.

Buy Hart's Tongue Fern at Planten247

Are you looking for a strong, evergreen eye-catcher? Buying a Hart's Tongue Fern at Planten247 guarantees you top quality. We pack our plants with care so that the delicate leaf tips remain optimally protected during transport. Add this versatile garden plant to your collection today and enjoy a beautiful green shade garden for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Hart's Tongue Fern

Is the Hart's Tongue Fern Toxic?

No, the Hart's Tongue Fern is not toxic. It is a safe plant for a garden where dogs and cats roam freely. Should your pet accidentally nibble on a leaf, there is no need to panic. This makes the plant very suitable for pet-friendly gardens.

Is the Hart's Tongue Fern a perennial?

Yes, the Hart's Tongue Fern is a perennial that can remain in the same spot for years. It spreads slowly and forms increasingly large, full rosettes, causing its ornamental value to only increase year by year.

Which plants combine with the Hart's Tongue Fern?

The Hart's Tongue Fern combines excellently with other shade dwellers that have a different leaf structure. Think of the fine textures of European wild ginger (Asarum europaeum), the colorful leaves of hostas, or the soft appearance of Caucasian forget-me-not (Brunnera). In a rock garden, it looks beautiful alongside various types of moss and small shade grasses.

How big does a Hart's Tongue Fern get?

A healthy Hart's Tongue Fern typically reaches a height and width of about 40 to 60 centimeters. Its growth is compact and clump-forming, meaning it will never overgrow other plants.

Can a Hart's Tongue Fern stand in the sun?

The Hart's Tongue Fern can tolerate some morning sun, but direct, bright midday sun must be avoided. Too much sunlight causes the leaves to turn yellow or even burn. A shady, cool spot is always the best choice.

How can I propagate a Hart's Tongue Fern?

You can propagate the Hart's Tongue Fern by dividing (splitting) the plant in the spring. Dig up the mature plant and carefully divide the rhizome in two. Additionally, the fern reproduces via spores that are visible as distinct stripes on the underside of the leaf.

Why is my Hart's Tongue Fern getting brown tips?

Brown tips can indicate air that is too dry or the soil drying out. Ensure that the plant is in a sheltered spot out of the wind and that the soil contains sufficient humus to retain moisture.