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. Suggested uses include ground cover, garden edging and underplanting of roses and shrubs. It is native to Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.
About
Asarum europaeum, known as asarabacca, European wild ginger, hazelwort, and wild spikenard, historically cabarick, is a species of flowering plant in the birthwort family Aristolochiaceae, native to parts of temperate Europe, and also cultivated in gardens. It is a creeping evergreen perennial with glossy green, kidney shaped leaves and solitary dull purple flowers hidden by the leaves. Though its roots have a ginger aroma, it is not closely related to the true culinary ginger Zingiber officinale. European wild ginger is sometimes harvested for use as a spice or a flavoring. Mature plants reach roughly Up to 10 cm tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, carrying evergreen foliage. In the garden it prefers full shade and partial shade and most soil types. Suggested uses include ground cover, garden edging and underplanting of roses and shrubs. It tolerates acid and neutral soils, moist but well-drained conditions and north-facing, west-facing and east-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Asarum europaeum
About the genus
Asarum is a genus of plants in the birthwort family Aristolochiaceae, commonly known as wild ginger.
Wikipedia contributors, "Asarum", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Asarum
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
- Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
- Fragrance
- Roots have a ginger-like aroma
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Asarum europaeum
- Cultivation
- Prefers shaded, moist, well-drained soils; tolerant of a range of soil types; avoid waterlogged conditions
- Pruning
- Minimal pruning required; remove dead or damaged leaves to maintain appearance
- Propagation
- Seed sown in containers as soon as ripe, Division in early spring
- Pest resistance
- Slugs, Snails
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Asarum europaeum?
Prefers shaded, moist, well-drained soils; tolerant of a range of soil types; avoid waterlogged conditions.
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?
Minimal pruning required; remove dead or damaged leaves to maintain appearance.
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 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 europaeum?
Seed sown in containers as soon as ripe, Division in early spring.
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