perennial

Hartweg's Wild Ginger

Asarum stellatum

The Story

Plant Bio

A rhizomatous, low-growing, woodland perennial forming a clump of long-stalked, heart-shaped, leathery, dark green leaves, often strikingly mottled with silver. In spring, brownish-purple, bell-shaped, three-lobed flowers appear at ground level.

Valued as a shade-loving groundcover for its distinctive, silver-mottled evergreen foliage. The 'starry' or stellate appearance of its flower lobes gives the species its name. Flowers are pollinated by ants and other ground-level insects.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides attractive evergreen foliage and fragrant groundcover in shaded gardens.

Helps suppress weeds and retains soil moisture in shaded areas.

Supports native pollinators and provides habitat for ground-dwelling insects.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

4 inches

Width

8 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moist

Humidity

High humidity preferred

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Toxic to humans and pets if ingested

Bloom period

Early spring – Late spring

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck seeds into moist soil in fall for natural stratification.
Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity.
Plant in shaded areas with rich, well-draining soil.
Mulch around the base to retain moisture.
Water consistently during dry spells.
Divide clumps every 2-3 years in early spring.

Pro Tip

Provide shaded, moist soil for best growth and foliage health.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
Mulch to conserve moisture
Divide in early spring to rejuvenate

Don't

Avoid direct sunlight which can scorch leaves ❌
Don't let soil dry out completely
Refrain from heavy fertilizing

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Divide
Mulch
Plant
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shaded woodland gardenFragrant borderEvergreen groundcover

Companion Plants

HostaFerns Astilbe Heuchera Brunnera

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Hartweg's Wild Ginger questions

What zones can Hartweg's Wild Ginger grow in?

Hartweg's Wild Ginger is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Hartweg's Wild Ginger deer resistant?

Yes — Hartweg's Wild Ginger is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Hartweg's Wild Ginger bloom?

Hartweg's Wild Ginger 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 Hartweg's Wild Ginger need full sun?

Hartweg's Wild Ginger does best in part shade.