The Story
Plant Bio
Asarum magnificum, commonly known as Magnificent Wild Ginger, is a low-growing perennial with heart-shaped, variegated silver and green foliage and small, bell-shaped, brownish-purple flowers that emerge close to the ground.
This cultivar, Silver Cheeks, is distinguished by its striking silvery-white markings on the leaf edges, adding ornamental value and visual interest throughout the growing season.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
6 inches
Width
15 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Consistently moist
Humidity
Prefers moderate to high humidity
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
East Asia
Toxicity
Toxic if ingested
Bloom period
Early spring – Mid-spring
In flower about 2 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring.
- Keep soil consistently moist during active growth.
- Place in shaded or partly shaded spot for best foliage color.
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Divide clumps every 2-3 years in early spring or fall.
- Mist cuttings or transplant in early spring for propagation.
Pro Tip
Ensure well-draining, humus-rich soil for healthy growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Apply mulch to maintain soil moisture
- Divide plants every 2-3 years
Don't
- Avoid waterlogging which can cause root rot ❌
- Don’t expose to direct, harsh sunlight
- Refrain from heavy fertilization
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Plant |
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
Magnificent Wild Ginger 'Silver Cheeks' questions
What zones can Magnificent Wild Ginger 'Silver Cheeks' grow in?
Magnificent Wild Ginger 'Silver Cheeks' 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 Magnificent Wild Ginger 'Silver Cheeks' deer resistant?
Yes — Magnificent Wild Ginger 'Silver Cheeks' is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Magnificent Wild Ginger 'Silver Cheeks' bloom?
Magnificent Wild Ginger 'Silver Cheeks' 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 Magnificent Wild Ginger 'Silver Cheeks' need full sun?
Magnificent Wild Ginger 'Silver Cheeks' 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 Magnificent Wild Ginger 'Silver Cheeks' 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.