Asplenium scolopendrium Cristatum Group

RHS Plant Profile

hart's tongue fern Cristatum Group

Synonyms

Asplenium 'Cristatum', Asplenium scolopendrium 'Cristatum', Phyllitis cristata, Asplenium cristatum, Asplenium macraei, Asplenium cicutarium

Ferns

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An evergreen fern growing to around 60cm and forming arching, glossy, bright green fronds with wavy margins and crested tips

Position

Full shade, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand, Chalk

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 5–10 years
Max Spread: 0.5-1 metres
Max Height: 0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam Sand Chalk

Moisture: Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH: Neutral or Alkaline

Position

Full shade Partial shade

Aspect: North–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure: Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H6

Colour & Scent

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Aspleniaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: No
Foliage: Evergreen
Habit: Clump forming
Genus: Asplenium are evergreen ferns with short, usually erect rhizomes bearing a rosette of slightly leathery fronds which may be simple, pinnate to 3-pinnate
Name Status: Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil, with added grit, in partial shade. See how to grow ferns for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by division, or propagate by sowing spores as soon as ripe at 15°C

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Cottage and informal garden
City and courtyard gardens
Low Maintenance
Flower borders and beds
Banks and slopes
Underplanting of roses and shrubs

Pruning

No pruning required but can remove older fading leaves if necessary

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free