Asarum

Asarum, the so called “Wild Gingers” are found across Europe, Asia and N. America. Asarum is a greatly under-rated genus with some spectacular members and we offer an unprecedented selection of species and cultivars. Many however, especially the Japanese clones, are in very limited supply and so availability and stocks change frequently.

They are mostly grown for their very ornamental leaves. Different species vary from plain green through to startlingly attractive, silver variegated, clouded and veined gems. There are both evergreen and deciduous species.

Although treasured for their fabulous foliage, some have the most remarkable flowers which come in everything from earth shades to true black, through greens, red-pinks and whites. Some of the colour contrasts are remarkable for the plant world.

All that we offer are easily grown in a light leafy soil, but they do also like good drainage. We have them in basket pots sunk into the open ground in dappled, half shade but they can be potted if wished. All of these are hardy here.

Asarum have delightfully fragrant foliage, which varies from species to species. Asarum are slow to establish at first, just be patient, give them a year to root down and establish. They are very sensitive to transiently dry, or over-wet, soils when they are establishing and they will sulk if neglected or stressed!

Despite their use as a culinary enhancement and in traditional and folk medicine, Asarum are extremely toxic and should never, ever, be consumed. They contain Aristolochic acids which are a family of carcinogenic, mutagenic, and nephrotoxic compounds. It’s fine to garden with them just don’t, ever, eat them.

Available for ordering from our Spring list with some species also available in late Autumn.