The Story
Plant Bio
Asplenium scolopendrium, commonly known as Hart's-tongue fern, is an evergreen fern with glossy, strap-shaped fronds that grow upright from a creeping rhizome, featuring a simple, unlobed leaf structure.
The 'Ulleung Island' cultivar is distinguished by its particularly vigorous growth and resilience in shaded, moist environments, making it well-suited for shaded garden borders and woodland gardens.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Fern
Height
12 inches
Width
24 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Moderate
Humidity
High
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
East Asia
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck spores or divisions into moist soil
- Keep soil consistently moist and well-drained
- Mist fronds regularly to maintain humidity
- Provide partial to full shade for best growth
- Transplant in spring after last frost
- Mulch lightly to retain moisture
Pro Tip
Ensure consistent moisture and shade for optimal growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Mulch to retain soil moisture
- Prune dead fronds in early spring
Don't
- Avoid direct full sun exposure ❌
- Do not let soil dry out completely
- Avoid heavy fertilization
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Ulleung Island Hart's-tongue Fern questions
What zones can Ulleung Island Hart's-tongue Fern grow in?
Ulleung Island Hart's-tongue Fern is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Ulleung Island Hart's-tongue Fern deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Ulleung Island Hart's-tongue Fern, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Ulleung Island Hart's-tongue Fern bloom?
Ulleung Island Hart's-tongue Fern typically blooms in not grown for flowers through early spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Ulleung Island Hart's-tongue Fern need full sun?
Ulleung Island Hart's-tongue Fern does best in part shade.
More Asplenium to compare
Maidenhair Spleenwort
Asplenium trichomanes
Brunswick Giant Ebony Spleenwort
Asplenium platyneuron 'Brunswick Giant'
Cristatum Hart's Tongue Fern
Asplenium scolopendrium 'Cristatum'
Walking Fern
Asplenium rhizophyllum
Hart's Tongue Fern
Asplenium scolopendrium
Bird's Nest Fern
Asplenium x ebenoides
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Ulleung Island Hart's-tongue Fern with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.