Also known as Wild Ginger · 796 gardener saves
Asarum: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Asarum, the genus most gardeners know as wild ginger. We track 67 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 12 most-saved Asarum varieties
Of 67 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedArrowleaf Ginger
Asarum arifolium 'Spreading Form'
#2 most savedCahaba River Wild Ginger
Asarum shuttleworthii 'Cahaba River'
#3 most savedCanadian Wild Ginger
Asarum canadense
Faurie's Wild Ginger
Asarum fauriei 'Galaxy'
Sixlobed Wild Ginger
Asarum hexalobum 'Asteroid'
Harper's Wild Ginger
Asarum harperi 'Eco Dark Heartlet'
Western Wild Ginger
Asarum caudatum
Green Sheen Asarum
Asarum megacalyx 'Green Sheen'
Japanese Wild Ginger
Asarum nipponicum
European Wild Ginger
Asarum europaeum
Shuttleworth's Wild Ginger
Asarum shuttleworthii
Large-leaved Asarum
Asarum macranthum 'taitonense'
Browse all 67 Asarum varieties →
How to grow Asarum
What the Asarum varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 40 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Asarum year
- MulchOctober100% of varieties
Refresh organic mulch to maintain cool, moist soil conditions.
- DivideMarch, April and September85% of varieties
Divide clumps every 3-5 years to propagate or manage spread.
- PlantMarch, April, September and October60% of varieties
Plant in spring or early fall in rich, moist, shaded soil.
- Spring CleanupFebruary and March57% of varieties
Remove any tattered or old foliage before new growth begins.
- Check for PestsApril–June33% of varieties
Monitor for slugs and snails, especially in wet conditions
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Mulch to conserve moisture
- Prune dead or damaged leaves in early spring
- Provide shade during hot summer days
- Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
Avoid
- Avoid direct sunlight which can scorch leaves ❌
- Do not let soil dry out completely
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Avoid full sun exposure ❌
What goes wrong with Asarum
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Slugs | Chewed leaf edges | Use organic slug bait or handpick pests |
| Root rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves | Improve drainage and reduce watering frequency |
| Aphids | Sticky residue on leaves, distorted growth | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Slug | Chewed leaves and slime trails | Use organic slug bait or handpick slugs at night |
| Root rot | Wilting, yellowing leaves | Improve drainage, reduce watering |
| Leaf spot | Dark spots on foliage | Remove affected leaves and ensure proper spacing |
| Powdery mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Apply organic fungicide and improve air circulation |
Making more Asarum
Division
- Dig up mature plants in early spring or fall
- Separate clumps carefully with a sharp knife
- Replant divisions immediately in moist soil
- Water thoroughly after planting
- Allow 6 weeks for establishment
Seed
- Collect seeds after seed capsules mature in late spring.
- Sow seeds in shaded, moist soil in early fall.
- Cover lightly with soil and keep moist.
- Germination typically takes 4-6 weeks.
- Transplant seedlings once they are large enough.
Asarum questions
How many types of Asarum are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 67 distinct Asarum varieties. The most popular — ranked by 796 real gardener saves — are shown first above.
What zones does Asarum grow in?
Across its varieties, Asarum covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Asarum bloom?
Most Asarum varieties bloom in early spring, late spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Asarum should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.
Keep exploring
Design with Asarum in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
