Asarum europaeum (European Wild Ginger)
European Wild Ginger, Asarabacca, Foalfoot, Foal's Foot, Hazelwort, Wild Ginger, Wild Nard
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 the dense foliage. 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, moist, well-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.
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Requirements
Hardiness | 4
– 8 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 1
– 8 |
Climate Zones | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 |
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Asarum - Wild Gingers |
Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 5" – 6" (12cm – 15cm) |
Spread | 8" – 1' (20cm – 30cm) |
Spacing | 8" – 12" (20cm – 30cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
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 | 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 |
Shutterstock, © Martin Ogden /www.teddingtongardener.com
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.
Requirements
Hardiness | 4
– 8 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 1
– 8 |
Climate Zones | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 |
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Asarum - Wild Gingers |
Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 5" – 6" (12cm – 15cm) |
Spread | 8" – 1' (20cm – 30cm) |
Spacing | 8" – 12" (20cm – 30cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
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 | 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 |