Asplenium scolopendrium Cristatum

Description

Asplenium scolopendrium ‘Cristatum’ – crested hart’s tongue fern

Botanical name: Asplenium scolopendrium ‘Cristatum’
Common names: Crested hart’s tongue fern
Family: Aspleniaceae
Plant type: Evergreen fern
Habit: Clump-forming, upright
Pot size: 9cm pot
Eventual size: Approx. 30–45cm tall × 40cm spread
Foliage: Glossy, strap-shaped bright green fronds with attractively frilled and crested tips; 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: Selected form; the species is native to Europe including the UK
Toxicity / pet & child safety: Generally considered non-toxic to people and pets

Asplenium scolopendrium ‘Cristatum’ is a crested hart’s tongue fern with glossy, strap-shaped bright green fronds ending in frilled, crested tips. A decorative evergreen for moist shade, woodland borders and shaded walls.

GardenAdvice notes

A charming crested form of the native hart’s tongue fern, ‘Cristatum’ has the same glossy, strap-shaped bright green fronds but finished with attractively frilled and forked crests at the tips, giving extra ornament and character. Evergreen, architectural and lime-tolerant, it brings year-round structure and a decorative flourish to shade.

Growing & planting

Plant in spring or autumn in moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil in partial to full shade, with shelter from cold, drying winds. Work in leaf mould or compost to hold moisture, and space according to the ultimate size, generally about 45–60cm apart.

Care & maintenance

Low-maintenance. Keep the soil from drying out, especially while establishing, and mulch with leaf mould in autumn. Remove old, tatty 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: Can be raised from spores sown on moist, sterile compost, though this is slow and specialised.

Pests & diseases

Generally trouble-free and robust. Slugs and snails may graze the soft young fronds as they unfurl in spring, and fronds can 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 and cool courtyards, where its crested evergreen fronds add decorative structure all year

Wildlife value

The fronds and crown provide cover and shelter for small invertebrates through the year.

Toxicity & safety

Ferns are generally regarded as non-toxic to people and pets, though as with all ornamental plants they are not intended for eating.

GardenAdvice tip

The frilled, crested tips of ‘Cristatum’ give the reliable hart’s tongue a decorative twist, lovely at the front of a shady border where the detail shows. Like the plain species it is tough, evergreen and happy on limy soil; keep it moist and sheltered, and remove the old fronds in spring to show off the crests on the fresh growth.

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