How to Grow Asarum

Asarum

Asarum spp.

herb

Asarum, commonly known as wild ginger, is a low-growing shade-loving perennial ground cover with heart-shaped leaves and unusual tubular flowers hidden beneath the foliage. Native to woodlands in North America and Asia, it forms dense mats that suppress weeds and provide year-round interest. The rhizomes have a spicy ginger-like aroma and have been used traditionally in herbal medicine.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Partial to full shade; requires 2-4 hours of indirect light or dappled sun

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Water: Consistently moist but not waterlogged; prefers evenly moist soil year-round. Water regularly during establishment and dry spells, but reduce watering in winter dormancy.

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Spacing: 12 inches

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Days to maturity: 180-365 (perennial; reaches full ground cover in 2-3 years)

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Planting depth: Rhizomes planted 1-2 inches deep; transplants at same depth as container

Soil

Type: Rich, well-draining woodland soil high in organic matter

pH: 5.5-7.0

Amendments:

Compost or leaf mold Peat moss Bark chips Aged manure

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 3-8; some species tolerate zone 9

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a

Growth Stages

Establishment

4-8 weeks

New transplants or rhizomes establish roots and send up initial leaves; growth appears slow.

Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Apply 2-3 inches of mulch around base. Avoid disturbing plants during first year.

Vegetative Growth

Spring through early summer; ongoing for years

Heart-shaped leaves expand and rhizomes spread horizontally. Plant gradually fills in designated area.

Maintain consistent moisture. Add compost annually in spring. Remove any weeds that emerge. Plant is relatively maintenance-free once established.

Flowering

Late spring to early summer (2-4 weeks)

Small, unusual bell-shaped or urn-shaped flowers appear at soil level beneath the leaves in maroon, brown, or burgundy colors; flowers are inconspicuous and easily overlooked.

Flowers are hidden under leaves and require parting foliage to observe. Maintain consistent moisture during flowering. Flowers attract small insects and flies.

Fruiting & Seed Development

Early to mid-summer

Flowers develop into small seed capsules at ground level. Rhizomes continue to expand and strengthen.

Allow flowers to mature if you want seeds to self-sow. Maintain moisture. Continue regular mulching.

Dormancy

Late fall through early spring (varies by climate)

Foliage remains evergreen in mild climates or dies back to ground level in cold winters; rhizomes remain dormant underground.

Apply winter mulch in colder zones. No watering needed in dormant periods with adequate rainfall. Remove any dead foliage in spring.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Hosta Fern Hellebore Foamflower Tiarella Coral bells Lamium Epimedium Bleeding heart Liriope

Avoid planting near:

Aggressive spreading plants (mint, bamboo) Deep-rooted trees that compete for moisture Areas with poor drainage or standing water

Common Pests

and
Remove by hand at dusk, use copper barriers, encourage ground beetles, apply organic slug bait if severe
Remove infested foliage, apply neem oil, encourage beneficial predators
Improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering, remove affected leaves, apply fungicide if needed

Uses

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Traditional herbal remedy

Medicinal

Asarum rhizomes have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Native American herbalism to support digestion, respiratory health, and circulation. The rhizomes contain aromatic compounds that have been studied for potential anti-inflammatory properties. [source]

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Spice substitute

Culinary

The rhizomes have a warm, spicy flavor reminiscent of ginger and can be used sparingly as a ginger substitute in cooking or to flavor beverages. Use sparingly as the flavor is intense. [source]

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Ground cover and landscaping

Household

Asarum is an excellent low-maintenance, evergreen ground cover for shaded woodland gardens, under trees, or along pathways. It suppresses weeds naturally and requires minimal fertilizer or pest management once established. [source]

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Fragrance and potpourri

Craft

Dried asarum rhizomes add a unique spicy-woody fragrance to potpourri, sachets, and herbal craft projects. The scent is distinctive and long-lasting. [source]

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Pollinator support

Wildlife

The flowers attract native insects, flies, and small pollinators. Dense foliage provides shelter and cover for beneficial insects and ground-dwelling wildlife. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Asarum is primarily grown as an ornamental ground cover, not typically harvested. If harvesting rhizomes for medicinal use, wait until plant is at least 3-4 years old. Harvest in fall or early spring by carefully digging around the base without uprooting the entire plant. Take only small amounts to preserve the plant. Dry rhizomes in warm, well-ventilated area for 1-2 weeks before use.

Fun Facts

🌱 Asarum flowers are among the most unusual and cryptic flowers in temperate gardens—they bloom at ground level completely hidden by leaves, resembling tiny alien spacecraft with tubular petals. The flowers are pollinated by low-flying insects like flies and beetles rather than bees.
🌱 In Japan, Asarum has been cultivated for centuries and is highly prized by collectors; some cultivars with variegated or patterned leaves command premium prices and are grown specifically for their ornamental foliage.
🌱 The common name 'wild ginger' is a misnomer—Asarum is not related to culinary ginger (Zingiber officinale) but earned this name due to its similar-tasting and -smelling rhizomes, and both plants belong to entirely different plant families.

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