Asplenium Ferns.

Asplenium plants are a popular shade loving plant for the UK. It is often Asplenium scolopendrium or Harts Tongue Fern that we see growing, forming large clumps. It loves a damp area and will thrive in part shade for years.

However Asplenium ferns have more to them than this, including indoor plants that grow well, and the amazing Asplenium nidusor bird's nest fern.

Species include:

• Asplenium scolopendrium.
• Asplenium trichomanes.
• Asplenium bulbiferum or Hen-and-chicken fernwhich has feathery foliage.
• Asplenium nidus is an epiphytic fern with large plain but attractive green leaves.
• Another is Asplenium antiquum which does well in pots and can be grown indoors.
• Asplenium nidus (bird's nest fern) is one of the best of the species for growing indoors.

Care

Filtered light and a moist or humid warm position is best for optimum growth. Fertilize with a slow release or liquid fertilizer.

In the garden dig in lots of well rotted compost and humus, and keep moist during summer. Old or damaged foliage can be trimmed in late winter as new growth commences.

John Allman

You can buy Asplenium - Harts Tongue Ferns. from the following nurseries

LONG ACRE PLANTS - phone : 01963 32802
South Marsh, Charlton Musgrove. Wincanton, Somerset, BA9 8EX
A large range of unusual perennials, bulbs and ferns in any semi- or fully shaded position in the garden, grown here in Somerset using peat free compost.