Bellflower Wild Ginger Asarum campaniflorum
ABOUT
Asarum campaniflorum, commonly known as bellflower wild ginger, is an attractive perennial plant with a distinctive appearance. It features heart to kidney-shaped leaves that are lush, sprawling outwards with a textured surface. The leaves showcase a deep green color and may have occasional marbling or mottling with lighter shades. The most striking feature of bellflower wild ginger is its unique flowers. The blooms are bell-shaped, as the common name suggests, and they hang elegantly beneath the foliage. These flowers are a deep reddish-purple to brown color, often with intricate patterns that can include spotting or a mottled appearance. The interiors of the flowers may be paler, providing a beautiful contrast that adds to the visual appeal of the plant. The flowers of the bellflower wild ginger are usually hidden beneath the leaves, creating a subtle and enchanting effect as they peek out from the undergrowth. This characteristic makes it a plant that often invites a closer look to appreciate the detailed beauty of its flowers. The overall aesthetic of this plant makes it a favorite for gardens and natural woodland settings, where its unique flowers can add an element of surprise and fascination.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Bellflower Wild Ginger, Chinese Wild Ginger
Common names
Asarum campaniflorum
ToxicityTo humans
Asarum campaniflorum, commonly known as bellflower wild ginger, may contain compounds that are toxic to humans if ingested. Consuming parts of this plant can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Ingesting large quantities may result in more severe poisoning. It is advisable to avoid consuming any part of the bellflower wild ginger plant as it is not considered safe for human consumption.
To pets
Bellflower wild ginger, or Asarum campaniflorum, is potentially toxic to pets if ingested. The plant contains compounds that can be harmful, and consumption may lead to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and lethargy in animals. It is important to prevent pets from having access to or ingesting any part of the bellflower wild ginger to avoid the risk of poisoning.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
6 inches (15 cm)
Spread
12 inches (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
China
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Asarum campaniflorum, commonly known as Chinese Wild Ginger, has heart-shaped, dark green leaves that add aesthetic appeal to shade gardens.
- Ground Cover: It serves as an effective ground cover due to its spreading habit, helping to prevent soil erosion in shaded areas.
- Natural Habitat Support: The plant can provide shelter for small insects and animals when used in its natural setting or a woodland garden.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Chinese Wild Ginger can tolerate periods of drought, making it suitable for low-water gardens.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal care once established, making it a convenient choice for gardeners seeking low-maintenance plants.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Insect Repellent: The crushed leaves of Asarum campaniflorum, also known as bellflower wild ginger, can emit a strong scent that may deter certain insects when planted in a garden.
- Garden Border Plant: Because of its low-growing habit and attractive foliage, bellflower wild ginger can be used as a border plant in shady garden areas.
- Groundcover: This plant can serve as an ornamental ground cover due to its dense growth, effectively filling in spaces and reducing weed growth.
- Erosion Control: Bellflower wild ginger's root system can help stabilize soil on slopes or in areas prone to erosion, making it a functional planting choice in landscape design.
- Shade Garden Component: As an understory plant, bellflower wild ginger is ideal for shade gardens, where its unique flowers can add interest in lower light conditions.
- Accent Planting: With its distinctive flowers and heart-shaped leaves, this plant can be used as an accent to draw attention in a mixed planting bed.
- Fragrance Addition: Although not commonly noted for a strong fragrance, the flowers might provide a subtle scent in the garden when planted en masse.
- Photography Subject: The unusual appearance of the bellflower wild ginger's flowers can make it an intriguing subject for garden photographers.
- Conservation Planting: As a native species in some areas, planting Asarum campaniflorum can contribute to the conservation of local flora and support native pollinators.
- Education and Research: Botanic gardens and universities may cultivate bellflower wild ginger to educate students and visitors about native plant species and their ecological roles.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Asarum campaniflorum, commonly known as the Chinese wild ginger, is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Chinese wild ginger is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Mystery and covertness - Asarum campaniflorum, commonly known as "marbled ginger," often grows in shaded, forested areas, making it a symbol of hidden beauty and the unseen parts of nature.
- Grounding - The way marbled ginger spreads along the forest floor and its heart-shaped leaves can signify staying grounded and connected to the earth.
- Healing and medicinal properties - Historically, some species within the Asarum genus have been used in traditional medicine, which can extend a symbolic meaning of healing to Asarum campaniflorum.
- Protection - With its low-growing habit and tendency to form a dense mat, marbled ginger could symbolize a protective blanket over the environment in which it grows.
WaterBellflower Ginger requires consistent moisture and should be watered thoroughly once the top inch of the soil feels dry. Depending on the climate and indoor conditions, this could mean watering approximately every 7 to 10 days. When watering, use enough water to saturate the root zone—typically about 1 to 2 gallons for an average-sized plant. Avoid letting the plant sit in standing water, as this can lead to root rot. During the winter months, reduce watering frequency as the plant’s growth slows down.
LightBellflower Ginger prefers dappled shade or partial sunlight. It thrives under the canopy of larger plants or trees that provide filtered light. Avoid placing it in direct, harsh sunlight as it can scorch the leaves. An ideal spot for Bellflower Ginger would be a north-facing window or a spot with bright, indirect light.
TemperatureBellflower Ginger grows best in temperatures between 60°F and 75°F. It can tolerate minimum temperatures down to about 50°F and should be protected from temperatures above 80°F, which can stress the plant. Ensure the plant is kept away from drafts and sudden temperature changes to maintain a consistent growing environment.
PruningPruning Bellflower Ginger helps to maintain its shape and remove any yellowed or damaged leaves. Prune sparingly just to tidy up the plant, typically once a year in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This allows the plant to direct energy into the production of vigorous new growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Asarum campaniflorum, commonly known as the bell-flowered wild ginger, should be rich, humusy, and well-draining. A mixture of garden soil, leaf mold, or compost, with a bit of sand or perlite for aeration, is ideal. Aim for a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 5.5 and 7.0 for optimal growth.
RepottingBell-flowered wild ginger does not need frequent repotting and can thrive for several years before requiring a larger pot. Generally, repotting every 2 to 3 years, or when it becomes root-bound, is recommended to maintain the plant's health.
Humidity & MistingBell-flowered wild ginger thrives in moderate to high humidity. The best humidity level for this plant ranges from 60% to 80%, which mimics its natural understory habitat where it grows beneath the canopy of forests.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place bell-flowered wild ginger in shade, with well-draining, rich soil.
Outdoor
Plant in shaded area, use moist, well-draining, rich soil.
Hardiness zone
6-9 USDA
Life cycleAsarum campaniflorum, commonly known as bellflower wild ginger, begins its life cycle as a seed, which after dispersal and under favorable conditions, such as moist soil in spring, germinates to produce a small seedling. The seedling sends up heart-shaped leaves and gradually establishes a root system. With sufficient moisture and shade, it develops into a mature plant that spreads through rhizomes, forming clumps. Bellflower wild ginger typically flowers in the spring, with its unique bell-shaped, maroon-colored flowers often hidden beneath the foliage. After pollination, which is usually by ground-foraging insects, the plant produces capsule-like fruits containing seeds that are then dispersed by gravity or possibly by small animals. Over the years, the plant can form a dense ground cover by vegetative reproduction, although it grows slowly.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
Asarum campaniflorum, commonly known as bellflower wild ginger, is best propagated in the spring, just as the plant starts to emerge from dormancy. The most popular method of propagation for this plant is by division. To divide bellflower wild ginger, gently lift the plant from the ground with a shovel or garden fork, taking care not to damage the root ball. The clump should then be separated into smaller sections, making sure that each section has at least one growing point or stem. Once divided, the plant sections can be immediately replanted in a well-prepared garden bed, ensuring the root systems are spread out and covered with soil. The plants should be watered thoroughly after planting to help establish them in their new locations. This process allows for a relatively quick increase in plant numbers and can help rejuvenate older clumps that may have become too dense or are starting to decline in vigor.
