Species

Asarum arifoliumLittle Brown Jug

3 other cultivars

perennialN. America Native

Ruth's Wild Ginger

Asarum arifolium 'ruthii'

The Story

Plant Bio

A ground-cover perennial noted for its attractive foliage and unique flowers.

The cultivar 'ruthii' is celebrated for its distinctive heart-shaped leaves and purple flowers that appear early in the season.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides lush, fern-like foliage and subtle blooms, ideal for shaded gardens.

Groundcover that suppresses weeds in shady areas.

Supports native pollinators and beneficial insects.

SpeciesAsarum arifoliumLittle Brown Jug

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

8 inches

Width

12 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

6, 7, 8

Water

Consistent moisture

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

North America

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, well-drained soil in early spring.
Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity and root in 4-6 weeks.
Plant in a shaded or partially shaded area with rich, organic soil.
Water consistently to keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
Apply mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Divide clumps every 3-4 years in early spring for propagation.

Pro Tip

Use organic compost to enrich soil for vibrant growth and deep foliage.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
Provide shade during hot summer days
Apply organic mulch to conserve moisture

Don't

Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
Do not expose to direct, harsh sunlight
Avoid fertilizing with high nitrogen fertilizers

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Divide
Mulch
Plant

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shaded woodland gardenMoist, fern-like groundcoverNative plant border

Companion Plants

Fern Trillium PolygonatumHellebore Hosta

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Ruth's Wild Ginger questions

What zones can Ruth's Wild Ginger grow in?

Ruth's Wild Ginger is hardy in USDA Zones 6–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Ruth's Wild Ginger deer resistant?

Yes — Ruth's Wild Ginger is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Ruth's Wild Ginger bloom?

Ruth's 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 Ruth's Wild Ginger need full sun?

Ruth's Wild Ginger does best in part shade.