Asarum europaeum
wild ginger
This perennial is semi-evergreen so it can lose some of its leaves in winter. In colder regions or more exposed gardens, it may lose them all, but then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
- Position: Partial to full shade
- Soil: Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: Slow to average
- Flowering period: March to April
- Hardiness: Fully hardy
A robust and reliable groundcovering plant, which once established will remain evergreen throughout the year. Commonly known as wild ginger, it has sweetly pungent roots and has been valued and cultivated as a medicinal herb since the 13th century. It is also invaluable for providing attractive foliage in shadier spaces.
A low maintenance plant requiring only a light mulch of leaf mould or garden compost every one or two years to maintain soil fertility.
- Humans/Pets: TOXIC if eaten