Asarum splendens
Chinese wild ginger
Central and southern China (Sichuan, Hubei, Guizhou, Yunnan)
Overview
Asarum splendens is a rhizomatous evergreen perennial reaching 6–10 inches (15–25 cm) tall with a spread of 12–18 inches (30–45 cm). Leaves are arrow-shaped to heart-shaped, 4–7 inches (10–18 cm) long, dark green with conspicuous silver-gray mottling and marbling between the veins. Leaf texture is slightly leathery, and the upper surface has a matte to low-gloss finish. Flowers are borne singly at ground level beneath the foliage, 1.5–2 inches (4–5 cm) across, with three broad, triangular calyx lobes that are dark purple-brown to nearly black on the interior with a paler exterior. The flowers are among the largest in the genus Asarum spp.. The plant spreads by shallow rhizomes at a moderate rate of 4–8 inches (10–20 cm) per year. All parts emit a ginger-like scent when crushed. Foliage is evergreen in zones 6–9, maintaining the silver patterning year-round. In zone 5, leaves may brown at the tips during severe winters. Slugs feed on foliage in wet conditions. The plant declines in dry soils and full sun, developing brown leaf margins and faded silver patterning.
Native Range
Asarum splendens is native to central and southern China, occurring in the provinces of Sichuan, Hubei, Guizhou, and Yunnan. It grows in moist, shaded forests and along stream banks at elevations of 2,000–6,500 feet (600–2,000 m).Suggested Uses
Planted as a ground cover in woodland gardens and shaded borders at 10–15 inch (25–38 cm) spacing for full coverage within 3–4 years. The silver-mottled foliage contrasts with the uniformly green leaves of ferns and hostas in shade compositions. Grows in containers of at least 3 gallons (11 L) in a humus-rich, moisture-retentive mix; container culture displays the patterned foliage at closer viewing distance.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6" - 10"
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Reaches mature size in approximately 4 years
Bloom Information
Dark purple-brown to nearly black flowers appear at ground level in April–May, concealed beneath the foliage. Individual flowers are 1.5–2 inches (4–5 cm) across and persist for 3–4 weeks. Flowers are pollinated by ground-dwelling insects attracted to the dark coloration and faint scent. Seed capsules develop at ground level by mid-summer.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Dark purple-brown to nearly blackFoliage Description
Dark green with silver-gray mottlingGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 1-3 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in humus-rich, consistently moist, well-drained soil in full shade to partial shade. Consistent moisture during the growing season maintains foliage quality and silver patterning; drought causes brown leaf margins and faded markings. Good drainage is essential, as standing water causes rhizome rot. Slugs and snails are the primary pest. The moderate rhizome expansion rate means colonies take 3–4 years to form a dense ground cover from initial plantings. In zone 5, a light mulch of 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) of leaf litter in fall protects the crown from winter damage.Pruning
No pruning required. Winter-damaged or brown-tipped leaves can be removed in early spring before new growth emerges. In reliably evergreen zones, remove only individual damaged leaves as needed. The colony expands naturally by rhizomes and does not require cutting back.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons