Asarum splendens
Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Asarum chingchengense
- Phonetic Spelling
- ah-SAIR-um SPLEN-denz
- Description
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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:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Patio
- Small Space
- Woodland
- Design Feature:
- Border
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Deer
- Heavy Shade
- Rabbits