About
Asarum campaniflorum is a low-growing, evergreen perennial that typically reaches a height of about 15 cm. It features glossy, dark green, heart-shaped leaves that form a dense mat. In late winter to early spring, this plant produces solitary, bell-shaped flowers that emerge beneath the foliage. These flowers are pale green to light yellow, accented by dark purple markings at the base and tips of the petals.
About the genus
Asarum comprises either evergreen or deciduous perennials that develop a network of rhizomes, creating a dense layer of long-stemmed, heart- or kidney-shaped foliage. Some leaves exhibit a distinctive silver mottling. The flowers are unique, featuring a three-lobed calyx in muted, earthy tones. Commonly known as wild gingers, these plants are not related to culinary gingers; the name derives from the spicy fragrance of their rhizomes.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full shade, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Matforming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Toxicity
- 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
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grows best in woodland conditions - a humus-rich, moist but well-drained, acid to neutral soil and full to partial shade
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed sown in containers as soon as ripe, or divide in early spring
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to slugs and snails
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free