Species European wild ginger
Green leaves with light-green veins

European wild ginger

Asarum europaeum

European wild ginger is an amazing plant species native to Europe and many parts of Asia. It enjoys shade and humus rich soils, and it really sets itself apart with its exotic-looking foliage and subtle beauty. Its lush dark green leaves are heart shaped and create an attractive carpet-like effect in the garden. Its unique, olive-brown flowers grow directly from the ground, making it a wonderfully low maintenance groundcover. Once established, European wild ginger is incredibly hardy and virtually maintenance-free. It is also deer-resistant, making it ideal for gardeners in regions where deer are a problem. With its attractive foliage and bold flowers, European wild ginger is a wonderful addition to any garden.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 7

Flowers:

Greenish-yellow to brown Flowers

Sun:

Part shade,full shade

Soil:

Acidic, Humus rich

Fruits:

brown,black Fruits Ready In

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

European wild ginger should be watered once or twice a week, depending on the season. During early spring and fall, it will only need to be watered once a week, and during the hot summer months it may need to be watered twice a week. Water thoroughly to ensure that the planting medium is evenly moist. Do not let the soil stay soggy, as it can become too wet and can lead to root rot. Check the soil around the base of the plant to make sure it is not overly dry, and adjust your watering schedule accordingly.

sunlight

European wild ginger (Asarum europaeum) thrives best in indirect sunlight or partial shade. Optimal light exposure is several hours of morning sun, with the afternoon spent in shade. Doing so will ensure the plant gets the light it needs to photosynthesize without risking burning its leaves in the intense midday sun. During the winter months, it's beneficial to provide an additional 2-3 hours of afternoon light to help the plant stay green with fewer pests or disease problems.

pruning

European wild ginger (Asarum europaeum) benefits from light pruning in the spring. The best time to prune this species is in late spring, after flower buds have emerged but just before they begin to bloom. Prune back any dead, diseased, or damaged stems, and remove any broken or wilted leaves. As this is a low-growing species, trim off any overgrown stems that may be blocking the middle of the plant or those that are growing in undesired directions. Pruning should be light, as this species is not typically tolerant of heavy or severe pruning.

Season

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

European wild ginger typically starts flowering in April.

Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Asarum europaeum typically begins in May and continues through July.

Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Asarum europaeum typically begins in May and continues through July.

Hardiness Map