Hart's Tongue Fern

Striking and different, the Hart’s Tongue Fern doesn’t look like a classic fern, with divided fronds. Instead it forms a clump of upright or arching sword-shaped leaves, one to two feet long, with undulating edges. It is fascinating to watch how they uncurl from ground level into glossy green blades, and later see the brown patterns on the underside that are the spores – equivalent to seeds. This is a great choice for more sunny and drier spots than most other ferns, and it also grows well in limestone – another advantage over most ferns. Grow it in woodlands, rock gardens or walls. It spreads steadily into a thick clump, and also grows out of walls and cracks in rocks. It’s evergreen, and a charming and different fern, among the easiest to grow, and attractive year-round. It also grows well in a pot, indoors or outdoors, and can be grown in a porch, or indoors in a cool room – a bathroom is often ideal, perhaps at a north-facing window.

• Long, sword-shaped leaves give it a unique look, different from other ferns
• Forms a dense, slowly-spreading clump of evergreen, glossy, bright green foliage
• More sun and dryness tolerant than most ferns
• Grows well in limestone soils, and in cracks between rocks
• Great houseplant for a cold porch or cool, humid room

Hardy to zone 4, the Hart’s Tongue Fern grows almost anywhere in the country – it’s native to North America. Grows well in full sun, partial sun and full shade, needing moist soil if in full sun. It grows in any soil that isn’t too dry, but not in permanently wet ground. Very suitable for spots that are too bright and dry for other ferns. Grows well in very alkaline soils, and among limestone rocks. Established plants are relatively drought tolerant, and will survive drier periods, even if some leaves may shrivel. Although evergreen, it’s best to cut out any old, dry or damaged leaves in spring, creating space for fresh ones to grow up. Deer don’t eat it and it usually has no pests or diseases.