Chinese wild ginger
Asarum splendens
USDA zones5 to 9
SunHandles partial sun to full shade
WaterHandles moderate to wet soil
Size6 to 9 inches tall12 to 18 inches wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Horizontal
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Dark purple to brown
- Foliage color
- Gray/silver, green, variegated
- Soil types
- Sand, loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Chinese wild ginger (Asarum splendens) is a perennial for ground cover, shade gardens, and woodland settings. It is hardy to USDA zone 5, or down to -20°F (-29°C). This plant likes part sun to full shade and average to wet, sandy or loamy soil. Dark purple blossoms with white throats appear in spring among deep green leaves with silver marbling. Deer and rabbits usually look elsewhere for a meal. Protect new leaves from slugs when they first emerge.
Pairs well with Foam flower, Lenten rose, Aureola Japanese forest grass, and Lady fern.
Native range
China.