Asplenium Angustifolium

Description

Asplenium ‘Angustifolium’ – spleenwort fern

Botanical name: Asplenium scolopendrium ‘Angustifolium’
Common names: Spleenwort, narrow-fronded hart’s tongue
Family: Aspleniaceae
Plant type: Evergreen fern
Habit: Clump-forming, upright
Pot size: 3 litre pot
Eventual size: Approx. 30–45cm tall × 30–45cm spread
Foliage: Slender, strap-shaped, glossy green fronds; evergreen
Flowers: None — ferns reproduce by spores, not flowers
Scent: Not scented
Aspect / light: Partial to full shade
Soil: Moist but well-drained, humus-rich; tolerates lime; neutral to alkaline
Hardiness: RHS H6 (hardy, to about −20°C); USDA zones 5–8
Exposure: Sheltered
Native range: Species native to Europe including the UK
Toxicity / pet & child safety: Generally considered non-toxic to people and pets

An attractive evergreen fern producing slender, strap-shaped glossy green fronds that bring fresh structure to shady corners. Thrives in moist, humus-rich soil in partial to full shade.

GardenAdvice notes

A narrow-fronded, evergreen spleenwort fern, this is a handsome, easy fern for shade, its glossy strap-shaped fronds bringing year-round structure to woodland borders, shady walls and cool corners. Like the hart’s tongue to which it is related, it tolerates lime and thrives in the moist, humus-rich, shaded conditions many plants dislike.

Growing & planting

Plant in spring or autumn in moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil in partial to full shade, ideally with shelter from cold, drying winds. It suits shady borders, woodland edges, north-facing spots and shaded walls. Work in leaf mould or compost, and space about 40cm apart.

Care & maintenance

Low-maintenance. Keep the soil from drying out, especially while establishing, and mulch with leaf mould in autumn. Remove any tatty, damaged or frost-burnt fronds in early spring before the new growth unfurls. No feeding is usually needed beyond an annual mulch.

Propagation

• Division: Lift and divide congested clumps in spring.
• Spores: Ferns can be raised from spores sown on a moist, sterile compost surface, though this is slow and specialised.

Pests & diseases

Generally trouble-free. The fronds can be grazed by slugs and snails when young, and may scorch in dry or exposed positions. Moist soil and shelter keep it looking its best.

Uses in the garden

Ideal for shady and woodland borders, north-facing beds, shaded walls, cool courtyards and among other shade plants, where the evergreen fronds provide year-round structure.

Wildlife value

The evergreen fronds provide year-round cover and shelter for small invertebrates in the garden.

Toxicity & safety

Spleenwort ferns are generally regarded as non-toxic to people and pets.

GardenAdvice tip

This is a lovely, easy fern for a shady, even limy spot where little else thrives — it keeps its glossy fronds all winter, so it earns its place year-round. The only job worth doing is snipping off the old, tired fronds in early spring, just before the fresh new ones uncurl, to keep it looking smart.

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