The Story
Plant Bio
Asarum sakawanum 'Emerald Dragon' is a low-growing perennial with heart-shaped, glossy green leaves and distinctive, bell-shaped flowers that emerge close to the ground, adding charm to shaded garden areas.
This cultivar is prized for its vibrant, emerald-green foliage and unique, dragon-like flower form, making it a striking ground cover in woodland or shaded garden settings.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
4 inches
Width
12 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Moist
Humidity
Prefers humid environments
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Japan
Toxicity
Toxic if ingested
Bloom period
Early spring – Mid-spring
In flower about 2 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds or divisions into shady, moist soil
- Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Fertilize lightly in early spring with organic compost
- Monitor for pests and remove affected leaves promptly
- Divide every 3-4 years to maintain vigor
Pro Tip
Plant in shady areas with rich, moist, well-drained soil for best growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Keep soil consistently moist 🌱
- Apply organic mulch to conserve moisture
- Prune dead or damaged foliage in early spring
- Fertilize with compost in spring
Don't
- Avoid direct, harsh sunlight ❌
- Do not let soil dry out completely
- Avoid heavy, waterlogged soils
- Do not disturb roots unnecessarily
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
Emerald Dragon Japanese Wild Ginger questions
What zones can Emerald Dragon Japanese Wild Ginger grow in?
Emerald Dragon Japanese 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 Emerald Dragon Japanese Wild Ginger deer resistant?
Yes — Emerald Dragon Japanese Wild Ginger is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Emerald Dragon Japanese Wild Ginger bloom?
Emerald Dragon Japanese 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 Emerald Dragon Japanese Wild Ginger need full sun?
Emerald Dragon Japanese 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 Emerald Dragon Japanese 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.