We continue to offer more special selections from our extensive collection of asarum (wild gingers). These amazing woodland natives from North America, Asia, and Europe are fascinating both for their foliage as well as their unique flowers.
Asarum asperum ‘Silver Streak’ is a plant we obtained in the early 1990s, so it’s taken us 25 years to produce enough to share for the first time. (Zone 6a-9b)
In flower now, in the middle of winter, we remove the old foliage like the do with hellebores, so we can enjoy the amazing flowers. If you pull up a chair, you’ll notice these are pollinated by little terrestrial crustaceans known as pill bugs or roly polies.
Asarum campaniflorum ‘Leprechuan‘ is another of our 2018 introductions with flowers that look like intricate paintings. This Chinese species was only named in 2004. Zone 7b-10b
Asarum forbesii ‘Venus’ is another plant we’ve grown for 25 years before having enough to offer for the first time. Unlike the first two, Asarum forbesii is deciduous in the winter. It also is a slow spreader, making a stunning 2-3′ wide patch in 20 years. Zones 5a-8b
The flowers of Asarum forbesii emerge alongside the new leaves in early spring. Won’t you invite ginger into your woodland garden!
Good to see the fabulous well-mannered Gingers highlighted!
I have found a wonder nursery you all do such a wonderful job thanks so much l learn and I see more of the best plants out there
I love as asarums but for some reason can not get them to grow.
Which ones have you tried, and what seems to be the problem?
I live in Montana. I tried a couple that were suppose to do well in the 3/4 zones but guess our winters and dryness was not good for them.
I would grow them inside if I could.
We’re not aware of any from low humidity climates like Montana. Perhaps if other readers have had success in similar climates, they’ll let us know. In Japan, most asarums are grown in containers, but I expect they would need a winter chill below 40 degrees F for at least a month.
What ginger can I grow in zones 3-4? How can I get it to spread quicker?
You’re in a rather cold zone for asarum. The native Asarum canadense should be fine there, and possibly the evergreen Asarum europeum. There are others that may possibly grow there, but they simply haven’t been tried. Those that would be worth experimenting with in your region are Asarum forbesii, Asarum caulescens, and Asarum ichangense. Good soil preparation, and adequate summer moisutre all will help with the growth rate.
Lovely