Asarum hypogynum ‘Artist’s Palette’ is in full flower here at JLBG in late January. Despite being first published in 1915, this little-known species is very poorly represented in ex-situ plant collections worldwide. Our clone is a division from a wild plant we brought back from our 2008 botanical expedition to Taiwan. The foliage on this species is some of the largest in the entire genus. For us, Asarum hypogynum starts flowering in late summer and continues most of the winter. We are working to eventually be able to share this with other collectors. Hardiness is Zone 7b and warmer.
Has this been crossed with A. epigynum (or any natural hybrids)?
No, it’s directly from the wild like this.
No plans to hybridize?
We have plenty of plans, but lack the funding for staff to tackle such projects. Financial payback for breeding asarum would be 15-20 years at best to even start an income flow.