Wild ginger (Asarum shuttleworthii)
Discover Asarum shuttleworthii, the mottled Wild ginger. Valued for evergreen, aromatic leaves in shady, moist woodland gardens.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Asarum shuttleworthii, commonly known as mottled Wild ginger, provides exceptional textural interest for deep shade gardens across the Southeastern United States. Its main draw is its attractive, rounded, often silvery-mottled foliage that remains evergreen in milder winter regions, offering year-round structure. This rhizomatous plant is a slow spreader, gradually forming a dense, desirable carpet underneath taller woodland specimens.
Botanically recognized as Asarum shuttleworthii, this herbaceous perennial forms a perfect low-growing ground cover, softening hard edges and stabilizing slopes where turfgrass struggles. While the small, purplish-brown flowers bloom near the ground in spring and are easily missed, the aromatic leaves—reminiscent of culinary ginger though not related—are the star of the show. Gardeners value this species for its minimal maintenance requirements and its ability to thrive in challenging, deep-shade conditions.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Aristolochiaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Native Range: Southeastern United States
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 6-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 0.5-0.75 ft
- Spread: 0.5-1 ft
- Bloom Time: April to May
- Bloom Description: Purplish brown
- Sun Exposure: Part shade to full shade
- Water Needs: Medium to wet
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
For optimal health, plant Asarum shuttleworthii in the spring or fall, ensuring it settles into average, well-drained soil. This beautiful Wild ginger thrives in consistently moist conditions, leaning towards wet, especially in acidic soil environments typical of its native woodland habitat. Location is key; choose areas providing part shade to nearly full shade, as strong direct sunlight will scorch the delicate leaves.
Care for this perennial is straightforward, requiring low maintenance once established. Focus primarily on consistent moisture management; do not allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings if establishing the plant in full shade. Fertilization is generally unnecessary if the soil structure is rich in organic matter, which mimics its natural forest floor environment.
Seasonal attention should focus on amending the soil with compost or leaf mold to maintain moisture retention and acidity. Gardeners in the northern limits of its range, such as the St. Louis area, must provide winter protection. If you are growing Asarum shuttleworthii outside Zone 6’s protected areas, apply a generous layer of mulch before the first hard freeze to insulate the rhizomes.
Landscape Uses
The primary suggestion for utilizing Asarum shuttleworthii is as an effective, evergreen ground cover for deep, dry, or moist shade. It works exceptionally well along woodland paths, beneath mature deciduous trees, or as an understated edging treatment where a low profile is required. Because it spreads slowly via rhizomes, it establishes a dense mat that effectively suppresses faster-growing weeds over time.
Consider planting the mottled leaves of this Wild ginger alongside spring ephemeral bulbs like Trillium or Bloodroot, as the ginger’s foliage emerges to beautifully mask the fading bulbs. It pairs excellently with other shade-loving, textural plants such as Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa) or various Hosta varieties that appreciate its ability to colonize shady, root-bound niches. Integrating Asarum shuttleworthii helps create a cohesive, naturalistic woodland tapestry.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Insignificant
Noteworthy Characteristics
Asarum shuttleworthii, commonly known as mottled wild ginger, is native to moist woodlands in the Appalachian Mountains (Virginia to Georgia) and features evergreen (in mild winters), rounded to heart-shaped (4” long), aromatic leaves which are usually mottled with silvery gray markings. Vase-shaped, 2” long, purplish brown flowers with reddish purple spots inside appear in spring. The rhizomatous plant is very slow spreading, and although not related to culinary ginger, its roots and leaves produce a reminiscent scent.
Tolerances
- Deer
- Heavy Shade
Potential Problems
This dependable ground cover experiences no serious insect or disease problems when grown in appropriate conditions. Garden managers should remain vigilant for occasional sightings of slugs and snails, which can chew tell-tale signs into the attractive leaves, particularly during wet periods. Control these common mollusks by applying iron phosphate bait pellets around the perimeter of the planting or manually removing them in the early morning or evening. Avoid chemical sprays that can harm beneficial soil microorganisms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Wild ginger suitable for?
Asarum shuttleworthii is reliably hardy in USDA Zones 6 through 9.
How large does Asarum shuttleworthii grow?
This perennial typically reaches a mature height between 0.5 and 0.75 feet tall, spreading slowly to occupy an area of 0.5 to 1 foot wide.
What sun exposure does Wild ginger need?
Asarum shuttleworthii requires a transition from moderate light to heavy shade, thriving best in locations protected from the harsh afternoon sun.
When does Asarum shuttleworthii bloom?
The bloom time occurs in Spring, specifically from April to May, producing small, purplish brown flowers close to the ground.
Conclusion
The mottled foliage and low-maintenance nature make Asarum shuttleworthii an indispensable plant for adding evergreen texture to challenging shadowy spots in the mid-Atlantic and Southern gardens. If you seek a tough, fragrant, native ground cover, look no further than this beautiful Wild ginger. Confirm your local USDA zone compatibility and seek out protected, consistently moist locations for the best performance of your Asarum shuttleworthii planting this fall.
Companion Planting
Companion planting ensures that neighboring species share similar cultural needs, which is vital for success with moisture-loving Asarum shuttleworthii. Look toward other woodland staples that enjoy consistent shade and rich, organic soil. Excellent partners include certain Ferns, particularly low-growing species like Japanese Painted Ferns, for contrasting texture. Additionally, shade-tolerant woodland Phlox (Phlox divaricata) or Tiarella (Foamflower) offer light-colored spring flowers above the dark, mottled leaves of the Wild ginger.
Design Ideas for Deep Shade
When designing with Asarum shuttleworthii, capitalize on its low, spreading habit to create soft transitions between hardscaping elements or beneath taller foundation plantings. Use it en masse to create a living mulch layer that requires no routine tidying or mowing. In Japanese-style gardens, the geometric yet organic leaf shape of this plant provides a calming, dark carpet that highlights stone lanterns or larger specimen shrubs planted in containers nearby. Its slow growth rate means establishing large drifts takes patience, but the resulting uniform texture rewards the diligent gardener.
