Simply sow the seeds in a container, or divide its hairy root stems right after the first frost has passed. New perennials, no matter how much we may admire them, that can't make it through a harsh Midwestern winter aren't worth the money. European wild ginger can be easily propagated by division during spring. Some of these may be affiliate links, meaning we earn a small commission if items are purchased. Lycoris Radiata: The Mystical Red Spider Lily, How Long Do Succulents Live? – Growth: Slowly spreading, dense carpet of lush foliage. Epic Gardening occasionally links to goods or services offered by vendors to help you find the best products to care for plants. It also self-seeds if it is planted in a favored location. They are able to cope with a range of soil pH, on both the acid and alkaline (lime) side of neutral, and will accept quite a degree of lime. It has not only survived, it has thrived. It is not a new introduction. However they are lovely planted where you brush or tread too, as the crushed foliage and rhizomes give off a sweet, spicy fragrance like ginger. It can also be grown in areas that are not as favorable for hostas such as those with deep shade. The award is only given to plants with all round garden hardiness as well as beauty. – Host of unusual common names: Widespread habitats also accounts for the host of unusual common names. Because it makes a dense carpet of glossy, decorative heart shaped leaves under trees and shrubs. – Low Care: Asarums are very low maintenance plants, just popping along all year covering up the ground under trees and shrubs. Therefore loam and clay based soils are perfect for them, while they will struggle in sandy soils. While some perennials are difficult to buddy up because of unique bloom color or variegated foliage, I can't imagine another perennial that wouldn't be a suitable companion for European ginger. Zone 4. You can also mix in an organic fertilizer during spring is all you need to ensure the plant grows properly throughout the year. European ginger spreads slowly by rhizomes to carpet small areas. So average, normal garden watering is more than enough. However, it has a North American cousin with the name of wild ginger with rhizomes that smell and taste like ginger. It is not a European wild ginger that can be eaten but does have a mild ginger smell that comes from the roots. Asarums make the perfect, easy, no care carpet under trees and shrubs. Brown flowers April-May. European ginger features a lush, vibrant green leaf. SEED GERMINATION AND CULTURE: Set out in partial to deep shade and a moist highly organic and slightly acid (pH 5.5-6.5) soil with good drainage and ample humus (compost, leaf mold, peat moss) added. In fact it has proved so reliable that the Royal Horticultural Society awarded the prestigious “Award of Garden Merit” to Asarum europaeum. ORDERS OVER $100 SHIPPED FREE ! As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. In that same period, the (direct) import value increased British Columbia-California. – Deer & Rabbit resistant: I am so glad to say – rabbits and deer don’t like the gingery taste of Asarums, despite their lush juicy appearance. In 2018, the European direct imports of dried ginger from developing countries reached 127 thousand tonnes. European ginger is pretty growing beside heartleaf brunnera. Designed by Gippsland Web | Copyright Country Farm Perennials. It also self-seeds if it is planted in a favored location. We represent the interests of our member companies and associations, active in research, breeding, production and marketing of seeds in agricultural, horticultural and ornamental Although they’re virtually pest-free, the leaves are vulnerable to snails and slugs. The ground covering European ginger grows densely enough to thwart most attempts by weeds looking for a place to call home. 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. In order to ward off stubborn slugs and snails, you may use beer traps. And although my head is still turned by plants boasting bodacious blooms, as I grow older my appreciation for plants that solve a multitude of landscape challenges grows, even if they do so quietly. Despite their lush, exotic appearance, they are robust and resistant hardy plants. high approx. Break open the seedpods and remove the small, dull brown seeds. European wild ginger produces glossy, rich green leaves that make the groundcover for rock gardens and woodland gardens. How to Grow European Ginger From Seed 1. While you're here, why not follow us on Facebook and YouTube? European ginger may not currently be at the top of anyone's perennial lust list. However, they often go unnoticed as the foliage is quite thick and dense. ASARUM (Wild Ginger) Aristolochiaceae A. species. We're always looking to improve our articles to help you become an even better gardener. Buy Asarum europaeum Hosta Varieties | Green Mountain Hosta in Vermont, European Ginger - Asarum Europaeum 10 plants $6.00 each, European Ginger-Asarum Europaeum 100 plants $3.50 each, European Ginger-Asarum Europaeum 50 Plants $5.00 each, Click here for instructions on enabling javascript in your browser, Buy from 100s of Hosta Varieties Online | Green Mountain Hosta. ORDERS OVER $100 SHIPPED FREE ! Greenish purple or brown 1/2" flowers. This will complement the non-invasive European wild ginger and also act as strong pest deterrents! – Width: European Wild Ginger forms a slowly spreading carpet to a diameter of approx. – Beneficial for wildlife: The weird flowers of Asarums are especially designed to attract pollinating bees, moths and butterflies. This plant itself doesn’t have any specific cultivars. Set out in spring 12" apart. If you’re planning on growing it anytime soon, here’s everything you should know about its care and maintenance. European Ginger - Polished glossy heart shaped leaves mark this sought after, highly desirable groundcover, adapts to any environment * Perennial * Grows to a height of about 6 inches * * Climate Zone 3 * Package Size - 100 seeds * Germination Tips: Moist 40 Degrees Fahrenheit 4 wks, then 68-75 Degrees Fahrenheit Asarum (Wild Ginger) ASARUM (Wild Ginger) Aristolochiaceae A. species HABITAT: Native to North America, Europe, China, Japan. Since the leaves can grow up to 3″, the plant offers aesthetically beautiful foliage for edging and underplanting shrubs, slopes, and banks. Hi, I'm Kevin. However, European ginger performs in dry shade, too -- a landscape challenge for many gardeners. When a perennial is pretty all season long, grows in dry shade, is rarely bothered by pests or disease, grows densely enough to be a formidable opponent to weeds, and is a pleasing partner with all other shade-loving perennials, it belongs on everyone's lust list -- flamboyant flowers or not. Zones 2-3. A. caudatum (British Columbia Wild Ginger) 7". Nonetheless, european wild ginger can do wonders to add a rich depth of color in your garden. However, these plants need a gentle climate as extreme temperatures (hot or cold) can damage the sensitive leaves. – Fragrance: None I know. It does not flaunt flamboyant flowers. However, while its watering needs are significant, make sure not to overwater as waterlogged soil can lead to fungal diseases like root rot. So Asarum are also known as “asarabacca”, “European wild ginger”, “hazelwort” (they do like to grow in Hazel woodlands), “wild spikenard”, “snakeroot’ (yes the rhizome roots do look like tiny snakes) and “birthwort”.