About Asarum (Wild Ginger)
Asarum, or wild ginger is a beautiful ground cover perfect for woodland shade gardens or container gardening as a specimen in a cool corner on the patio. Native to North America, Europe and Far East Asia. The Pacific Northwest species is A. caudatum. Asarums are shade-loving plants valued for their lush growth of heart-shaped or kidney-shaped foliage. The details below provide information on where to plant and how to grow and care for Asarum in your garden. Growing wild ginger is easy and low maintenance.
Asarums are mostly evergreens but there are some herbaceous perennials. An excellent option to cover a wide area that also chokes out weeds. This hardy, deer resistant plant also has weirdly exotic flowers. The flowers grow close to the plant’s base at ground level, and while often hidden by the carpet of impressive foliage, they are not missed by pollinating ground-dwelling bugs and flying insects like gnats. Asarum is not the edible ginger that is used in cooking. Some parts of the plant are highly toxic if consumed.
Asarum canadense (Canada wild ginger, Common wild ginger)
The Asarum canadense, also referred to as Canada wild ginger or common wild ginger, is native to eastern regions of North America. This species has dark green kidney-shaped leaves and purplish-brown bell-shaped flowers that bloom late spring and early summer. It tolerates deep shade and wet soil. They are a herbaceous perennial that seeds readily and is cold-hardy suitable for zones 4 to 6.
Asarum caudatum (British Columbia Wild Ginger, Western Wild Ginger, Long-Tailed Wild Ginger)
The Asarum caudatum, also known as the British Columbia wild ginger, western wild ginger, or long-tailed wild ginger, is native to the Pacific Northwest coast and woodland regions ranging from California, USA, up to British Columbia, Canada. This is an evergreen Asarum with heart-shaped bright green leaves about 15 cm (6 in) long and wide. The flower is reddish-purple and has a hairy urn. It blooms in spring but is likely to be obscured by foliage. It thrives in acidic, moist to wet soils in a cool, shady site. Grows in zones 6 to 10.
Asarum europaeum (Asarabacca, European Wild Ginger, Hazelwort, Wild Spikenard)
The Asarum europaeum or asarabacca is native to Europe and found in woodland and forested areas. It is evergreen with shiny dark green leaves that are also kidney-shaped and about 12 cm (5 in) wide. It has greeny-purple urn-shaped flowers that bloom in early spring. Best grown in deep shade. Hardy to zone 4 to 6.
Asarum splendens (Chinese Wild Ginger, Splendid Wild Ginger)
The Asarum splendens, or more commonly called Chinese wild ginger, is one of the more popular species available in garden centres. Native to China, this evergreen is hardy and valued for its variegated dark glossy green and mottled silver foliage. The elongated leaf can be as wide as 17 cm (7 in) and about 7 cm (3 in) wide. The hidden flowers are dusty purple and cream. They bloom late winter and spring. It is a vigorous grower that can quickly spread but can also live happily in the same container for many years. They need to be watered frequently. The Chinese wild ginger is suitable for zones 6 to 9.
Asarum (Wild Ginger) At A Glance
Type: Evergreen / Herbaceous Perennial
Location: Partial Shade / Full Shade
Seasonal Interest: Year-round Foliage / Late Winter, Spring Flowers
Height: 10 – 15 cm (4 – 6 in)
Plant Hardiness Zones: Varies 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Where To Plant, And How To Grow Asarum (Wild Ginger)
Asarum do well in all kinds of soils and are easy to grow. However, they thrive when planted in humus-rich, moist, well-drained soil that is acidic. They prefer a shady location but can tolerate some sun as long as it gets protection from the afternoon sun in the summer.
Water regularly, especially during hot days when they can quickly wilt, particularly if planted in a container. Asarum does not need additional fertilizer. Adding a layer of rich compost soil in spring should suffice.
Asarum can be easily divided at any time. However, it is best to divide and replant in late winter or early spring before the new foliage emerges. This allows the plant to begin to establish before summer arrives. Asarums are generally fast growers.
Late winter or early spring, wild ginger growing in planters, it is good plant to prune out any older leaves to give room to the new foliage. This keeps it neat and tidy in your planter.
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Pests And Diseases That Affect Asarum (Wild Ginger)
The Asarum foliage may be damaged by slugs and snails, and occasionally affected by rust plant disease. It is deer resistant.
