The Story
Plant Bio
Asarum costatum, commonly known as Japanese Wild Ginger, is a low-growing perennial with broad, heart-shaped leaves and distinctive, bell-shaped flowers that emerge close to the ground, often exhibiting marbled or variegated foliage.
This species is prized for its attractive foliage and ground-covering habit, thriving in shaded, woodland garden settings and tolerating a variety of soil conditions.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
4 inches
Width
8 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Consistently moist
Humidity
Prefers humid environments
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Korea
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 or divisions into shaded, moist soil
- Water regularly to keep soil consistently damp
- Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Provide partial shade for optimal growth
- Monitor for pests and diseases during early growth
- Divide every 3–4 years to rejuvenate
Pro Tip
Plant in shaded areas with rich, moist soil for best results.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist
- Mulch to conserve moisture ❌
- Divide in early spring 🌱
- Use organic compost annually
Don't
- Avoid dry or overly sunny spots ❌
- Don’t let soil dry out completely
- Never forget to remove weeds around the plant
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| 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
Korean Wild Ginger questions
What zones can Korean Wild Ginger grow in?
Korean Wild Ginger 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 Korean Wild Ginger deer resistant?
Yes — Korean Wild Ginger is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Korean Wild Ginger bloom?
Korean 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 Korean Wild Ginger need full sun?
Korean Wild Ginger 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 Korean Wild Ginger 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.