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Asarum europaeum (European Wild Ginger)

European Wild Ginger, Asarabacca, Foalfoot, Foal's Foot, Hazelwort, Wild Ginger, Wild Nard

AGM Award
Asarum Europaeum, European Wild Ginger, Asarabacca, Foalfoot, Foal's Foot, Hazelwort, Wild Ginger, Wild Nard, Shade perennials, Plants for shade, Groundcover, ground cover for shade
Asarum Europaeum, European Wild Ginger, Asarabacca, Foalfoot, Foal's Foot, Hazelwort, Wild Ginger, Wild Nard, Shade perennials, Plants for shade, Groundcover, ground cover for shade

Asarum europaeum (European Wild Ginger) is a slowly spreading ground cover that is primarily grown for its glossy, leathery, heart-shaped, dark green leaves (to 3 in across – 7 cm) which remain evergreen in mild winters. Small, bell-shaped flowers bloom in late spring to early summer but are usually unnoticed since covered by dense foliage. European Wild Ginger is among the best foliage plants for shade.

  • Grows 6 in. tall (14 cm) and spreads 8-12 in. (20-30 cm).
  • Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
  • A part shade to full shade lover, it is best grown in humusy, slightly acidic, moistwell-drained soils.
  • Wild Ginger makes a great ground cover for shady areas of woodland gardens and rock gardens and is perfect for edging, underplanting shrubs or banks, and slopes.
  • Attracts butterflies, but this plant is deer resistant.
  • Virtually pest-free and disease free but watch for slugs and snails, which could damage the attractive foliage.
  • May self-seed in the garden.
  • Native to Europe.

Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 8
Heat Zones 1 - 8
Climate Zones 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Aristolochiaceae
Genus Asarum
Common names Wild Ginger
Exposure Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 5" - 6"
(13cm - 15cm)
Spread 8" - 1'
(20cm - 30cm)
Spacing 8" - 12"
(20cm - 30cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Evergreen
Native Plants United Kingdom
Tolerance Full Shade, Deer
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Banks And Slopes, Beds And Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Underplanting Roses And Shrubs
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow, Traditional Garden
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Asarum caudatum (Western Wild Ginger)
Asarum hartwegii (Sierra Wild Winger)
Asarum splendens (Chinese Wild Ginger)
Asarum canadense (Canada Wild Ginger)

Recommended Companion Plants

Heuchera ‘Obsidian’ (Coral Bells)
Astrantia major ‘Roma’ (Great Masterwort)
Tiarella cordifolia (Foam Flower)
Pulmonaria ‘Blue Ensign’ (Lungwort)
Hosta (Plantain Lily)
Astilbe
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 8
Heat Zones 1 - 8
Climate Zones 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Aristolochiaceae
Genus Asarum
Common names Wild Ginger
Exposure Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 5" - 6"
(13cm - 15cm)
Spread 8" - 1'
(20cm - 30cm)
Spacing 8" - 12"
(20cm - 30cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Evergreen
Native Plants United Kingdom
Tolerance Full Shade, Deer
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Banks And Slopes, Beds And Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Underplanting Roses And Shrubs
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow, Traditional Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
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