1 named cultivar

‘Cahaba River’Cahaba River Wild Ginger

groundcover

Shuttleworth's Wild Ginger

Asarum shuttleworthii

The Story

Plant Bio

Asarum shuttleworthii is a low-growing perennial with heart-shaped, aromatic foliage and small, bell-shaped flowers that typically display subtle hues, blending seamlessly into shaded woodland environments.

This species is appreciated for its evergreen foliage and its ability to thrive in shaded, well-drained soils, making it an excellent ground cover for shaded garden areas.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides evergreen groundcover with fragrant foliage, enhancing shaded garden areas.

Suppresses weeds in shaded zones, requires minimal maintenance.

Supports insects with its foliage, contributes to woodland garden biodiversity.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Groundcover

Height

6 inches

Width

10 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moist

Humidity

High humidity preferred

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Southeastern United States

Toxicity

All parts toxic if ingested

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck seeds into shaded, moist soil in early spring
Keep soil consistently moist during active growth
Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
Transplant if needed during dormancy in fall
Fertilize lightly in early spring with organic compost
Divide in early spring or fall every 2-3 years

Pro Tip

Ensure shaded location with moist, well-drained soil for best growth

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate temperature
Prune dead or damaged leaves in early spring

Don't

Avoid direct sunlight which can scorch leaves ❌
Don't let soil dry out completely
Refrain from over-fertilizing to prevent leggy growth

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

Shaded woodland borderEvergreen groundcoverFragrant shady walkway

Companion Plants

Ferns Hostas Astilbes Heucheras Trilliums

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Shuttleworth's Wild Ginger questions

What zones can Shuttleworth's Wild Ginger grow in?

Shuttleworth'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 Shuttleworth's Wild Ginger deer resistant?

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

When does Shuttleworth's Wild Ginger bloom?

Shuttleworth'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 Shuttleworth's Wild Ginger need full sun?

Shuttleworth's Wild Ginger does best in part shade.