Asarum splendens
Chinese wild ginger
Has dark green, pointed, heart-shaped leaves strikingly marked in silver, with new growth each spring acccompanying flowers in brown-purple and white
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Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cmTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Brown Purple White | Green Grey Silver | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Winter | Green Grey Silver |
Position
- Full shade
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Aristolochiaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Habit
- Matforming
- Potentially harmful
- TOXIC if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. TOXIC to pets if eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
- Genus
Asarum are evergreen or deciduous, rhizomatous perennials forming a mat of long-stalked, heart-shaped or kidney-shaped leaves, sometimes with attractive silver mottling, and curious flowers consisteng of a 3-lobed calyx, often in "earthy" colours. They are commonly referred to as wild gingers (they are not culinary gingers) but are so-called because their rhizomes have a similar spicy scent
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- China
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in a shaded position, in a well-drained, humus-rich, neutral to acidic soil
Propagation
Propagate by seed in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe. Can also be propagated by division in early spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- Rock garden
- Ground cover
- Wall side borders
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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