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Asarum splendens

Also Known As

Hexastylis splendens
Splendid Chinese Wild Ginger

Plant type

perennial, groundcover

size

H: 3"-6"
W: 12"-72"

planting zones

6a-9b

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Asarum splendens plant details

Asarum splendens is a broadleaf evergreen perennial groundcover with blue, green and variegated foliage. In spring and winter black and purple flowers emerge. Grows well with bright shade - shade and even moisture - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant and humidity tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Asarum splendens

Plant type: perennial groundcover
Plant family: aristolochiaceae
Foliage: evergreen blue, green and variegated
Mature size: 12 IN - 72 IN - wide, 3 IN - 6 IN - tall
Flowers: black and purple blooms in spring and winter
Uses: easy-to-grow, heart-shaped leaves, spotted leaves, woodland garden

GROWING CONDITIONS for Asarum splendens

USDA Zones: 6a - 9b
Sun exposure: bright shade - shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - low
Resistant to: deer, heat and humidity
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Splendid! Asarum splendens is one of the finest wild gingers with glistening, broadly arrow-shaped, deep green leaves which flaunt dramatic silver marbling. In spring, peculiar two inch wide dark purple blossoms with white throats emerge from amongst the leaves. Protect from slugs with Safer’s slug bait when new leaves are first emerging. A wonderful specimen or ground cover for the shade border and woodland garden.

By: Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

A hardy evergreen ginger from China for a shaded nook. Cyclamen-like foliage, green mottled with with gray-silver, to only 6" tall, spreads moderately by underground rhizomes making a good groundcover for shade. The flowers are also wonderful, sometimes hidden but often upfacing, purple with white markings. One of the best of the genus and worth kneeling for in spring. Shade is best in rich soil with regular summer water. Bait for slugs. Frost hardy in USDA zone 6.

By: Cistus Nursery

If the dramatic 7" long, 3" wide silvery mottled foliage wasn't enough, wait till you see the beautifully bizarre silver dollar sized flowers. A very prolific rhizomatus spreader, this plant brightens up the shade and is a real conversation starter in any garden.

By: Sunshine Farm and Gardens

Large glossy leaves year round then in spring it has showy weird velvety flowers under the foliage.

By: Gossler Farms

Medium to large rounded leaves with with pointy tips and heavy silver markings. Low to the ground and slowly spreading to make a nice clump over time.

By: Hoot Owl Hollow Nursery

Chinese Wild Ginger is a quite attractive groundcover for a sheltered shady spot. Evergreen in mild winter areas, the forest green arrow shaped leaves are traced with a wonderful silver mottling. In early spring, 2" black purple flowers surprise you although can be somewhat hidden under the foliage. 6" tall, spreading to 2' or more by rhizomes.