hart's-tongue fern
© Richie Steffen / Great Plant Picks
© Richard W. Hartlage / Great Plant Picks
Hart's-tongue fern does not look like any other fern you grow. The new fronds unroll into long narrow tongue-like blades. These wide, strap-like, bright green fronds are distinctive and provide striking contrast with fine-textured ferns and other woodland perennials.
Plant Type: fern
Foliage Type: evergreen
Plant Height (10-year): 1 ft. 9 in. (0.53 meters)
Plant Width/Spread (10-year): 1 ft. 9 in. (0.53 meters)
Hardiness: USDA Zones 6 to 8
Flower Color: none
Sun/Light Exposure: open to deep shade
Water Requirements: regular watering
Great Plant Combinations:
Great Color Contrasts: burgundy, cream, silver
Great Color Partners: green, chartreuse
Place hart's-tongue fern in a light to deep shade location and water regularly during dry periods. It tolerates some morning sun, but hot or afternoon sun will cause it to yellow or burn. Cut the fronds to the ground in late February or early March. It is a slow grower, needing a year to settle in before growing well. If it really likes your garden, you will get a few new sporlings every year!
Text and photos ©2020 Great Plant Picks/Elisabeth Carey Miller Garden except where otherwise noted
Funded by the Pendleton and Elisabeth Carey Miller Charitable Foundation, The Seattle Times, and Individual Donors
Administered by the Elisabeth Carey Miller Botanical Garden