Chinese Wild Ginger Asarum splendens

The birthwort or Aristolochiaceae family, also known as the ginger family. Spreads by short rhizomes though it tends to be slow growing. It forms a thick mat making it an ideal groundcover for shady gardens. It has the largest leaves of any of the Asarums. Hardy to zone 6 but may overwinter in zone 5 if protected. It prefers well-drained neutral to acidic soil that is consistently moist because it has poor drought tolerance. Minimal pruning is needed but can be done in the spring. Plant with the crown level to the soil, avoid planting too deep.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Thrips, slugs.  Necrotic spot virus, leaf spots, rhizome rot, leaf gall. To avoid winter burn, plant it in a site protected from wind and sun.