The Story
Plant Bio
Asarum controversum is a low-growing, perennial herbaceous plant with heart-shaped, velvety leaves and distinctive, bell-shaped flowers that often have a reddish or brownish hue, blending well into woodland groundcovers.
This species is appreciated for its robust foliage and ability to thrive in shaded, moist environments, making it an excellent groundcover for woodland gardens.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Groundcover
Height
4 inches
Width
8 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Prefers moist environments
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
North America
Toxicity
Toxic if ingested
Bloom period
Early spring – Late spring
In flower about 3 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds or cuttings into well-draining soil
- Keep soil moist but not waterlogged
- Mist cuttings regularly to encourage rooting
- Plant in shaded or partially shaded areas
- Mulch lightly to retain moisture
- Monitor for pests and diseases
Pro Tip
Prefers consistently moist, shaded environments for best growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist
- Mulch to conserve moisture 🌱
- Prune dead or damaged leaves
Don't
- Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch leaves ❌
- Do not let soil dry out completely
- Over-fertilize, which can harm roots
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| 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
controversial asarum questions
What zones can controversial asarum grow in?
controversial asarum is hardy in USDA Zones 4–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is controversial asarum deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse controversial asarum, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does controversial asarum bloom?
controversial asarum 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 controversial asarum need full sun?
controversial asarum 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 controversial asarum 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.