Species wild ginger
Burgundy flower with white center, white hair, lime stems, green leaves, burgundy stigma stems and anthers.

wild ginger

Asarum caudatum

Also Known As - British Columbia Wild Ginger
Wild ginger (Asarum caudatum) is an amazing plant species. It is incredibly easy to grow, the attractive heart-shaped leaves and bell-shaped flowers will provide your garden with a unique texture. Its low-maintenance, and you can enjoy it in shady areas. It is also deer-resistant, and an excellent choice for a woodland garden. The plant is a perfect groundcover, while its flowers are quite delightful, with a wonderful spicy fragrance. Wild ginger is also very beneficial for pollinators, and can add a splash of colour and texture to any landscape. All in all, this plant is a great addition to any garden!

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

7 - 10

Flowers:

Rusty-brown to brownish-purple to yellow-green Flowers

Sun:

Shade

Soil:

Acidic, Bog, Humus rich

Fruits:

red,maroon Fruits In Summer Ready In Fall

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Wild ginger prefers moist soil so it is best to water it every 1 - 2 weeks during the growing season. Depending on your climate, you may need to water the plant more or less frequently. Be sure to check the soil before watering to make sure it is not overly saturated. When watering, use lukewarm or cool water and avoid getting the leaves wet to prevent possible disease. Additionally, do not let the soil dry out completely between waterings. Too much direct sunlight or excessively dry soil can cause the foliage to yellow and curl, so place it in a location that receives dappled shade or indirect sunlight.

sunlight

Wild ginger (Asarum caudatum) grows best with partial sun to full shade. A great deal of light in the morning and limited exposure in the afternoon is best as the afternoon sunlight can be too strong for this species. While wild ginger is not a particularly sun-loving plant, it will still benefit from some natural light, so it is important to give it at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.

pruning

Wild ginger is a versatile perennial plant that is hardy to USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 5. For optimal growth, pruning should be done in early spring, before new growth begins. Pruning should consist of removing any dead or diseased wood, and also cutting back branches to the desired shape. It is generally not necessary to prune heavily, as wild ginger grows slowly and is not very large. A light pruning every couple of years should suffice.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Wild ginger typically starts flowering in April.

Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Asarum caudatum typically begins in late spring, usually in May or June.

Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Asarum caudatum typically begins in late spring, usually in May or June.

Hardiness Map