The Story
Plant Bio
Commonly known as heartleaf, this is a low-growing, evergreen perennial native to the southeastern U.S. It forms a dense groundcover of glossy, leathery, arrowhead-shaped leaves. In spring, unique, jug-shaped, brownish-purple flowers appear at ground level, often hidden by the foliage.
The 'Silver Spreader' cultivar is distinguished by its variegated silver and green foliage, which creates a striking contrast and enhances shade garden aesthetics with its spreading growth habit.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Groundcover
Height
6 inches
Width
12 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Moist
Humidity
Moderate
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Southeastern United States
Toxicity
All parts are poisonous if ingested.
Bloom period
Early spring – Late spring
In flower about 3 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into well-draining soil in early spring
- Keep soil consistently moist for best germination
- Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity
- Place in partial shade for optimal growth
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture
- Transplant in early fall if needed
Pro Tip
Provide partial shade and moist, well-drained soil for thriving growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Mulch to conserve moisture
- Prune lightly after flowering
- Place in shaded areas to prevent leaf scorch
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t expose to full sun which can scorch leaves
- Skip heavy fertilization to avoid leggy growth
- Don’t disturb roots during dormancy
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Heartleaf questions
What zones can Heartleaf grow in?
Heartleaf is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Heartleaf deer resistant?
Yes — Heartleaf is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Heartleaf bloom?
Heartleaf typically blooms in early spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Heartleaf need full sun?
Heartleaf does best in part shade.
More Asarum to compare
Arrowleaf Ginger
Asarum arifolium 'Spreading Form'
Cahaba River Wild Ginger
Asarum shuttleworthii 'Cahaba River'
Canadian Wild Ginger
Asarum canadense
Asteroid Sixlobed Wild Ginger
Asarum hexalobum 'Asteroid'
Faurie's Wild Ginger
Asarum fauriei 'Galaxy'
Harper's Wild Ginger
Asarum harperi 'Eco Dark Heartlet'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Heartleaf with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.