The Story
Plant Bio
Asarum splendens, commonly known as Quicksilver, is a ground cover that features attractive silver foliage. It's valued for its striking appearance and ability to thrive in shady conditions.
Quicksilver has unique silvery leaves that stand out in the garden, especially in shaded areas.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
8 inches
Width
18 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Consistent moisture
Humidity
Moderate to high
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
China
Toxicity
Toxic if ingested; contains aristolochic acid.
Bloom period
Early spring – Mid-spring
In flower about 2 months of the year
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring for best germination.
- Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity and encourage root growth.
- Plant in well-draining, humus-rich soil for optimal health.
- Provide partial shade to protect from harsh sun and prevent leaf scorch.
- Water consistently, keeping soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilize lightly in early spring with a balanced organic fertilizer.
Pro Tip
Use a shaded, sheltered spot with rich, moist soil for thriving growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds
- Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Do not expose to direct, hot afternoon sun
- Refrain from heavy fertilizing late in the season
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Quicksilver Wild Ginger questions
What zones can Quicksilver Wild Ginger grow in?
Quicksilver 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 Quicksilver Wild Ginger deer resistant?
Yes — Quicksilver Wild Ginger is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Quicksilver Wild Ginger bloom?
Quicksilver Wild Ginger typically blooms in early spring through mid-spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Quicksilver Wild Ginger need full sun?
Quicksilver 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 Quicksilver 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.