About
Asarum splendens features deep green, heart-shaped leaves with pointed tips, adorned with distinctive silver markings. Each spring, fresh foliage emerges alongside flowers that exhibit hues of brown-purple and white.
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
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
- Plant type
- Alpine Rockery, Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Matforming
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Height
- Up to 10 cm
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 1-2 years
- Suggested uses
- Patio and container plants, Rock garden
- Native to
- China
- 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
- Grow in a shaded position, in a well-drained, humus-rich, neutral to acidic soil
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe. Can also be propagated by division in early spring
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to slugs and snails
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free