Overview
Asarum europaeum is a matforming herbaceous perennial in the genus Asarum, part of the Aristolochiaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around Up to 10 cm tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Asarum europaeum grows best in full shade and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. It is a holder of the RHS Award of Garden Merit. Suggested uses include ground cover, garden edging and underplanting of roses and shrubs. It is native to Europe to Siberia.
About
Asarum europaeum is a low-growing, evergreen perennial that creates dense mats of kidney-shaped, shiny dark green foliage. Its flowers, initially green and later turning purple, are concealed beneath the leaves.
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
Best soil and position for Asarum
- 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
Asarum europaeum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Matforming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- Up to 10 cm
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Ground cover, Garden edging, Underplanting of roses and shrubs
- Native to
- Europe to Siberia
- Fragrance
- Flower
- 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
Pruning and caring for Asarum europaeum
- Cultivation
- Likes 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
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Asarum europaeum?
Likes woodland conditions - a humus-rich, moist but well-drained, acid to neutral soil and full to partial shade.
Where is the best place to plant Asarum europaeum?
Asarum europaeum prefers full shade and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Asarum europaeum need?
Asarum europaeum is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including clay, loam and sand. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Asarum europaeum?
No pruning required.
How big does Asarum europaeum grow?
Asarum europaeum reaches a height of Up to 10 cm and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Asarum europaeum hardy in the UK?
Asarum europaeum has a UK hardiness rating of H6.
How do I propagate Asarum europaeum?
Propagate by seed sown in containers as soon as ripe, or divide in early spring.
Is Asarum europaeum toxic?
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.