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Chinese Wild Ginger Asarum splendens

Other Common Name(s):

Previously known as:

  • Asarum chingchengense
Phonetic Spelling
ah-SAIR-um SPLEN-denz
Description

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.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Juniper Level Botanic Garden: Part Sun-Part Shade Garden
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#interesting flowers#semi-evergreen#shade garden#showy leaves#low maintenance#rabbit resistant#border planting#Asian garden#heavy shade tolerant#container plant#patio#woodland
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#interesting flowers#semi-evergreen#shade garden#showy leaves#low maintenance#rabbit resistant#border planting#Asian garden#heavy shade tolerant#container plant#patio#woodland
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Asarum
    Species:
    splendens
    Family:
    Aristolochiaceae
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Root Cutting
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    S. Central China
    Dimensions:
    Height: 0 ft. 5 in. - 0 ft. 8 in.
    Width: 0 ft. 10 in. - 1 ft. 4 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Ground Cover
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Semi-evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Horizontal
    Spreading
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Coarse
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
    Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    High Organic Matter
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Available Space To Plant:
    12 inches-3 feet
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 9a, 9b
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Purple/Lavender
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Flower Shape:
    Bell
    Tubular
    Flower Size:
    1-3 inches
    Flower Description:
    Early spring, interesting 2" tubular flowers appear under the leaves at soil level.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Semi-evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Gray/Silver
    Green
    Variegated
    Leaf Shape:
    Cordate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Description:
    Large, thick narrow, dark green elongated heart-shaped or arrow-shaped leaves, with elegant silver mottling on top.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Patio
    Small Space
    Woodland
    Design Feature:
    Border
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer
    Heavy Shade
    Rabbits