About
Asarum maximum is an evergreen perennial that gradually expands over time. It features dark green, heart-shaped foliage, occasionally exhibiting marbling in lighter green or silver hues. In spring, it produces three-lobed flowers in black and white, which may remain 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
- 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
- Suggested uses
- Patio and container plants
- Native to
- China (Sichuan, Hubei)
- 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
- 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