groundcover

Silver Pattern Form Asarum

Asarum pulchellum 'Silver Pattern Form'

The Story

Plant Bio

Asarum pulchellum, a species of Chinese Wild Ginger, is a low-growing, evergreen perennial prized for its striking, heart-shaped, mottled silver leaves. It forms a dense groundcover in shady locations.

This selection is noted for its particularly vivid and extensive silver mottling on glossy, dark green, heart-shaped leaves, making it a standout foliage plant for shade gardens.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesProvides attractive evergreen foliage with variegation, adding visual interest year-round.
Practical UsesDrought tolerant once established, requires minimal watering.
Ecological BenefitsSupports local insect populations with its nectar-producing flowers.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Groundcover

Height

4 inches

Width

12 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Prefers humid environments

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

China

Toxicity

Contains compounds that can be toxic if ingested.

Bloom period

Early spring – Late spring

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring.
  2. Position in shaded area with well-draining soil.
  3. Water regularly until established, then drought tolerant.
  4. Apply mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
  5. Divide in early spring or fall every 2-3 years.
  6. Remove dead foliage in late fall for tidy appearance.

Pro Tip

Keep soil consistently moist, and provide shade for best foliage color.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water regularly during dry periods 🌱
  • Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
  • Divide every 2-3 years for vigorous growth

Don't

  • Avoid direct sunlight which can scorch leaves ❌
  • Do not overfertilize to prevent legginess
  • Prevent soil from becoming waterlogged

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Divide
Mulch
Plant
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shaded woodland gardenEvergreen groundcover beneath trees

Companion Plants

HostaFerns HeucheraAstilbeSolomon's seal

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Silver Pattern Form Asarum questions

What zones can Silver Pattern Form Asarum grow in?

Silver Pattern Form Asarum 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 Silver Pattern Form Asarum deer resistant?

Yes — Silver Pattern Form Asarum is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Silver Pattern Form Asarum bloom?

Silver Pattern Form Asarum 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 Silver Pattern Form Asarum need full sun?

Silver Pattern Form Asarum does best in part shade.

Keep exploring

Grow Silver Pattern Form Asarum 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.