Chinese Wild Ginger Asarum splendens
ABOUT
Asarum splendens, commonly known as the Chinese wild ginger, is a perennial plant known for its distinctive foliage and low-growing habit. It features heart-shaped to kidney-shaped leaves that are glossy and dark green, often with intricate patterns of silver mottling. This silver variegation gives the leaves a striking appearance that is particularly eye-catching in shaded garden areas. The plant's flowers are curious and less conspicuous, typically hidden beneath the foliage. They are often jug-shaped, with a unique presence, merging into the colors of the dark earth with their deep reddish-brown to purplish hues. The flowers bloom low to the ground and may not be immediately noticeable, blending in with the natural leaf litter of the forest floor. Furthermore, the Chinese wild ginger's leaves are evergreen in milder climates, providing year-round visual interest. Their lush texture and the dense mat they form on the ground give a luxurious feel to garden spaces, making it popular in shade gardens and woodland settings. The plant spreads slowly via rhizomes, which are underground stems, creating a full and robust ground cover over time. Despite its common name, it is not related to culinary ginger and should not be consumed.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Chinese Wild Ginger, Splendid Wild Ginger
Common names
Asarum splendens.
ToxicityTo humans
Asarum splendens, commonly known as Chinese wild ginger, contains aristolochic acid, a compound known to be toxic if ingested. It is not commonly consumed by humans due to its known toxicity. The ingestion of Chinese wild ginger can cause kidney damage and may be carcinogenic, leading to an increased risk of certain cancers. The aristolochic acid can also cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and damage to the urinary tract. It is recommended to handle Chinese wild ginger with care and not consume any part of the plant.
To pets
Chinese wild ginger is also toxic to pets due to the presence of aristolochic acid. If ingested by animals such as dogs or cats, the plant can cause similar symptoms as in humans, including gastrointestinal distress, such as vomiting and diarrhea, and can lead to more severe conditions such as kidney damage. Pets showing symptoms of poisoning after exposure to Chinese wild ginger should be taken to a veterinarian promptly. It's advisable to keep this plant out of reach of pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Variegated
Height
6 inches (15 cm)
Spread
12 inches (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
China
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: The Asarum splendens, commonly known as Chinese wild ginger, features attractive mottled leaves and distinctive flowers, making it a popular choice for adding visual interest to shade gardens.
- Low Maintenance: Chinese wild ginger is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care once established, making it ideal for gardeners seeking an easy-to-care-for ground cover.
- Shade Tolerance: This plant thrives in shaded areas where many other plants struggle, making it a valuable addition to woodland settings or darker parts of the garden.
- Ground Cover: Chinese wild ginger forms a dense carpet of foliage, which can help prevent soil erosion, suppress weeds, and cover bare spots in the landscape.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, it is relatively drought-tolerant, requiring less frequent watering than many other garden plants.
- Wildlife Habitat: The flowers of the Chinese wild ginger can attract beneficial insects to the garden, which is advantageous for pollination and overall ecosystem health.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a groundcover: Chinese wild ginger, with its shiny, heart-shaped leaves, is often used in shady garden spots for ground coverage, where other plants might not thrive due to low light conditions.
- In shaded rock gardens: The plant can be utilized to create a lush, green backdrop in rock gardens that do not receive a lot of sunlight.
- As a border plant: Gardeners may plant Chinese wild ginger along the edges of paths or flower beds to define the space with its dense foliage.
- In container gardens: It can be grown in pots or containers for patios and terraces that are shaded, bringing greenery to these outdoor living areas.
- For woodland gardens: Chinese wild ginger fits well in naturalistic woodland garden designs, contributing to a forest floor-like appearance.
- As an erosion control: The plant's spreading habit can help stabilize the soil on shaded slopes and prevent erosion with its root system.
- For aromatic foliage: When crushed or brushed against, the leaves of Chinese wild ginger emit a light, ginger-like fragrance, which can add an olfactory element to gardens.
- In sensory gardens: The unique texture of its leaves can be an interesting tactile element in gardens designed to engage the senses.
- For companion planting: Chinese wild ginger can be planted alongside other shade-loving perennials like hostas or ferns to create a varied, multi-textured display.
- In Japanese-inspired gardens: Its Asian origin and aesthetic make it a suitable choice for adding an authentic touch to gardens inspired by East Asian landscaping principles.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Chinese Wild Ginger is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Chinese Wild Ginger is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Protection â Asarum splendens, commonly known as Chinese Wild Ginger, is believed to have protective qualities due to its robust nature and its ability to thrive in shade, symbolizing shelter and safety.
- Grounding â Its growth pattern close to the earth and the spreading of its roots signify stability and being grounded.
- Healing â Used in traditional medicine, it symbolizes the healing of physical ailments, as well as emotional healing.
- Hidden Beauty â The plant's subtle and sometimes hidden flowers symbolize the beauty in modesty and the value of that which is not immediately obvious.
WaterChinese Wild Ginger should be watered when the top inch of the soil feels dry. Aim to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Typically, watering once a week with approximately 16 to 24 ounces of water is sufficient, but this can vary based on your indoor climate and the size of the pot. Ensure that the pot has proper drainage to prevent standing water which can lead to root rot. During the winter months, reduce watering frequency as the plant's growth slows down.
LightChinese Wild Ginger thrives in partial to full shade environments, away from direct sunlight. The best spot for this plant is in a location that mimics its natural undergrowth habitat, such as under a canopy of trees or on a shaded patio. Ensure the plant gets bright, indirect light or filtered sunlight, particularly gentle morning light, which is less intense than the afternoon sun.
TemperatureChinese Wild Ginger prefers temperatures between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth. It can tolerate a minimum temperature of around 50 degrees Fahrenheit and should not be exposed to temperatures below that to avoid cold damage. Keep this plant away from drafts and sudden temperature changes to maintain a stable environment.
PruningPrune Chinese Wild Ginger to remove dead or yellowing leaves to encourage healthy growth and maintain an attractive appearance. Pruning can be performed as needed throughout the year, but it's best done in the late winter or early spring before new growth starts. There's no need for extensive pruning; simply snip away any unhealthy foliage with clean, sharp shears.
CleaningAs needed
SoilChinese wild ginger prefers well-draining, humus-rich soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A good soil mix for this plant consists of two parts peat or coir, one part perlite, and one part compost to encourage lush growth.
RepottingChinese wild ginger should be repotted every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its container, ideally during the spring.
Humidity & MistingChinese wild ginger thrives in moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 60% to 80%, which is typical of its native woodland habitats.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Chinese wild ginger in shade with high humidity indoors.
Outdoor
Grow Chinese wild ginger in shaded areas with moist soil outside.
Hardiness zone
6-9 USDA
Life cycleAsarum splendens, commonly known as Chinese wild ginger, begins its life cycle when a seed germinates in moist, humus-rich soil, sprouting a small root and shoot. The shoot develops into a stem and unfurls heart-shaped leaves that are marbled and glossy, nestled close to the ground in its typical shaded woodland habitat. During spring, the plant produces unique jug-shaped flowers near the base, which are often hidden by the foliage. After pollination by insects attracted to its scent, the flowers develop into capsule-like fruit that eventually release seeds to begin a new cycle. Chinese wild ginger is a perennial, so once established, it enters a seasonal cycle of growth in spring and summer, with the leaves dying back to the ground in winter, followed by a period of dormancy. The rhizome stays alive underground and buds break dormancy the following spring, continuing the life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early-summer
The Chinese wild ginger (Asarum splendens) can be propagated through division, which is most commonly done in either the spring or fall. This method involves carefully digging up the plant and gently separating the rhizomes, the underground stems, ensuring that each division has at least one growth point. The divisions can then be replanted at the same depth they were growing at originally, spaced about 8 to 10 inches apart (20 to 25 centimeters). It's important to water the newly planted divisions thoroughly to help establish them. This process allows gardeners to increase their stock of Asarum splendens effectively and maintain the health of the plants by reducing crowding.
