The Hart’s Tongue fern is a quite distinct form of fern, in that it has broad, strap-like fronds, quite unlike the delicately cut types of more familiar varieties. They have a short stem and can grow to any length from 4 to 24in (10 to 60cm) depending on where you plant them. The shorter ones are usually found growing in walls or crevices. They are also known under the name Phyllitis scolopendrium.

The leather-like, bright green fronds make this a good foliage plant. It is a woodland plant and will always look good in a shady position, especially on banks, walls, or fallen trees. It is a British native plant and can often be seen growing under hedges or outcrops of rock. There are several varieties that have either wavy or crimped edges to their fronds, while others have a crested tuft at the top of the blade.

In spring, young plants can be planted out and if you want to plant them as a group, set them about 12in (30cm) apart. When the fronds first unfurl, they are covered with glistening white scales. These will turn brown and disappear as the fronds age. These are extremely hardy ferns and will grow in most climatic conditions, except where it is very hot and dry. They need very little attention apart from the tidying up of any dead leaves.

Growing Requirements

Soil
These plants are very accommodating and they will grow in either acid or chalky soils and will tolerate fairly dry conditions, but they are most at home in a moist, humus-rich, woodland type of soil.

Size
Asplenium scolopendrium can reach a height of 2ft (60cm) with a spread of 12in (30cm).

Propagation
The easiest method of increasing these ferns is by division in the spring. Sowing from spores in the autumn is possible, but it is a slow and complex method.

Family: Aspleniaceae
Genus: Asplenium

Dicksonia Antarctica is the best known of all tree ferns originating in Australia and Tasmania. It has been grown in Britain for many years for its ease of cultivation, great beauty and hardiness. It is named after James Dickson, 1738-1822, a Scottish nurseryman and botanist.

It will tolerate some degree of exposure to sun, but dislikes very strong winds. Pick a sheltered spot in the semi-shade for optimal, maximum growth. Whilst this tree fern is hardy to around -10°C, winter protection is recommended by covering the crown with straw or leaves. The trunk should be watered frequently during dry weather because the roots of tree ferns actually travel down the inside of the trunks of the plants. The foliage appears at the top of the trunk in spring, and unfurls from the centre into large, dark green fronds.

Growing Requirements

Soil
Dicksonia Antarctica thrives in filtered sunlight and well-drained, aerated soils with lots of organic matter and water and prefers damp sheltered woodland. It will withstand some drying out and can survive in dry conditions.

Size
These ferns can grow to 50ft (15m) in height, but more typically will reach about 15 to 17ft (4.5 to 5m) in the UK with a growth rate of about 2in (5cm) per year.

Propagation
Propagation is mainly from spores, but plants can also be grown from plantlets occurring around the base of the rhizome. The spores can be sown at any time on the surface of a finely-sifted loam and peat mix in well-drained pots which need to be kept moist and covered with a sheet of glass.

Family: Dicksoniaceae
Genus: Dicksonia