Asarum europaeum (European Wild Ginger)
Asarum europaeum (European Wild Ginger) is a slowly spreading ground cover that is primarily grown for its glossy, leathery, heart-shaped, dark green leaves (to 3 in across – 7 cm) which remain evergreen in mild winters. Small, bell-shaped flowers bloom in late spring to early summer but are usually unnoticed since covered by the dense foliage.
Asarum europaeum (European Wild Ginger) is a slowly spreading ground cover that is primarily grown for its glossy, leathery, heart-shaped, dark green leaves (to 3 in across – 7 cm) which remain evergreen in mild winters. Small, bell-shaped flowers bloom in late spring to early summer but are usually unnoticed since covered by the dense foliage. Among the best foliage plants for shade.
- Grows 6 in. tall (14 cm) and spreads 8-12 in. (20-30 cm).
- Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
- A part shade to full shade lover, it is best grown in humusy, slightly acidic, moist, well-drained soils.
- Wild Ginger makes a great ground cover for shady areas of woodland gardens, and rock gardens and is perfect for edging, underplanting shrubs or banks and slopes.
- Attracts butterflies, but this plant is deer resistant.
- Virtually pest-free and disease free but watch for slugs and snails which could damage the attractive foliage.
- May self-seed in the garden.
- Native to Europe.
Requirements
| Hardiness | 4 – 8 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones | 1 – 8 |
| Climate Zones | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 |
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Plant Family | Asarum – Wild Gingers |
| Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
| Season of Interest | Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)FallWinter |
| Height | 5" – 6" (12cm – 15cm) |
| Spread | 8" – 1' (20cm – 30cm) |
| Spacing | 8″ – 12″ (20cm – 30cm) |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Plant of Merit, Evergreen |
| Native Plants | United Kingdom |
| Tolerance | Deer |
| Attracts | Butterflies |
| Garden Uses | Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs |
| Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow, Traditional Garden |