Hart's Tonguefern

How to grow Hart's Tonguefern

Written by the GardenDecoded editorial team · Last reviewed 21 July 2026 · Written for UK gardens · How we research our guidance

Planting

Plant in spring or autumn in shade with the crown at soil level, never buried. It is one of the few ferns genuinely happy on alkaline soil, so it suits chalk gardens, shaded walls and the base of north-facing brickwork. Mulch with leafmould.

Pruning

Cut old fronds off at the base in late winter, just before the new ones unfurl. The strap-shaped fronds are evergreen and give winter structure, so there is no reason to remove them in autumn.

Propagation

Division of established clumps in spring. It also self-sows freely from spores into damp shaded walls and paving joints, and seedlings can be lifted and grown on.

Pests and diseases

Usually trouble-free. Slugs and vine weevil larvae can damage crowns, particularly in containers. Fronds brown at the edges in dry or exposed positions.

Value to wildlife

Provides year-round cover at ground level for beetles, amphibians and other small creatures in a shady border.

Notes

The undivided glossy fronds contrast well with the more finely cut ferns, which is worth exploiting in a shade planting. Crested and wavy-margined forms exist and are grown in the same way.

This guidance was researched and written by GardenDecoded — see our editorial policy for how guides are checked and reviewed.

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