Overview
Asarum is a matforming herbaceous perennial in the genus Asarum, part of the Aristolochiaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Asarum grows best in full shade and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include ground cover, garden edging and underplanting of roses and shrubs.
About
Asarum, commonly known as asarabacca or wild ginger, is a genus of evergreen herbaceous perennials that form a dense mat through a network of rhizomes. This cultivar features long-stemmed, heart- or kidney-shaped foliage, sometimes with silver mottling, and unique flowers with a three-lobed calyx in muted, earthy tones. Suitable for shaded, sheltered spots with moist but well-drained soil, it is hardy to UK zone H6 and is often used as ground cover or for underplanting. It thrives in loam, sand, or clay soils with acid to neutral pH and is of interest during winter.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Asarum
- Sunlight
- Full shade, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand, Clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Asarum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Matforming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Ground cover, Garden edging, Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Asarum
- Propagation
- Seed sown in containers as soon as ripe, Divide in early spring
- Pest resistance
- Susceptible to slugs and snails
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Asarum?
Asarum prefers full shade and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Asarum need?
Asarum is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including loam, sand and clay. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Asarum hardy in the UK?
Asarum has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Asarum?
Seed sown in containers as soon as ripe, Divide in early spring.
More in the Asarum genus
- Asarum europaeumasarabacca
- Asarum maximum 'Ling Ling'jug plant 'Ling Ling'
- Asarum heterotropoides var. mandshuricum
- Asarum himalaicum
- Asarum satsumense
- Asarum takaoi f. alba
- Asarum wulingense