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Asarum

Asarum

Asarum splendens (30)ct Flat

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Asarum

Asarum splendens (30)ct Flat

Asarum splendens (30)ct Flat Common Name: Chinese Wild Ginger; Large, elongated heart-shaped, dark green leaves are spotted with shimmering silver pigment. Semi-evergreen through mild winters,...

MSRP:

Now: $276.22
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What are the characteristics of Asarum?

Asarum, commonly known as wild ginger, is a genus of herbaceous perennial plants in the birthwort family (Aristolochiaceae). Here are its characteristics:

Kidney-shaped leaves: Asarum plants are known for their characteristic kidney-shaped leaves, also described as heart-shaped. These leaves grow from creeping rhizomes and come in pairs. They can be evergreen or deciduous depending on the species. Some species have dark green, shiny leaves mottled with cream.

Small, inconspicuous flowers: The flowers of Asarum plants are small and inconspicuous, typically brown or reddish in color. They are borne singly in spring between the leaf bases and are often hidden by the foliage. The flowers are jug-shaped, giving the plant the alternate name "little jug." They are pollinated by ants and ground beetles.

Creeping rhizomes: Asarum plants spread by means of underground rhizomes. These rhizomes are the horizontal stems that grow just beneath the soil surface and send out shoots that form new plants.

Shade preference: Asarum plants favor moist, shaded sites with humus-rich soil. They are not drought tolerant and struggle in hot and humid conditions.

Ginger scent: The rhizome and leaves of Asarum plants have a ginger-like scent when crushed. However, they are not related to culinary ginger and should not be consumed as they are poisonous.

Asarum plants are a valuable addition to shade gardens, where they provide a carpet of attractive foliage. They are also relatively low-maintenance plants that are deer- and rabbit-resistant.

How Do I Plant Asarum?

Planting Asarum is a fairly straightforward process, but it thrives under specific conditions. Here is what you need to know:

Choosing the Right Spot:

Light: Asarum prefers shade or dappled sunlight. Avoid full sun, especially in hot climates.

Soil: The key is moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Amending the planting area with compost or aged manure is highly recommended. Aim for slightly acidic soil (pH between 5.5 and 6.8).

Planting:

Timing: Ideally, plant Asarum in the early spring or fall when the soil temperatures are cool.

Spacing: Dig a hole slightly larger than the plant's root ball. Space individual plants 8-12 inches apart to allow for future growth.

Planting Depth: Plant the Asarum so the crown (the point where the roots meet the stem) is level with the soil surface.

Watering: Water thoroughly after planting and keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the first growing season.

Additional Tips:

You can propagate Asarum by dividing established clumps in early spring.

Asarum is generally low-maintenance, but a light top dressing of compost in spring can benefit the plant.

While relatively pest and disease resistant, watch out for slugs and snails, which can damage the foliage.

What Are varieties Of Asarum?

There are around 60-70 species of Asarum, but some botanists prefer to classify them into separate genera based on chromosome number and floral morphology. Here are some of the popular varieties:

Canadian Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense): This is the most common type of Asarum in North America. It has heart-shaped, deep green leaves that are slightly hairy underneath. The flowers are small, reddish-brown, and hidden beneath the foliage.

European Wild Ginger (Asarum europaeum): This variety has glossy, dark green leaves that are evergreen in mild climates. The flowers are brownish-purple and also hidden by the leaves.

Chinese Wild Ginger (Asarum splendens): This is a showier variety with larger, kidney-shaped leaves that are marbled with white or silver veining. The flowers are also larger and more prominent, with a bell-shaped form and deep burgundy color.

Evergreen Wild Ginger (Asarum shuttleworthii): As the name suggests, this variety has glossy, dark green leaves that remain throughout the winter in warmer climates. The flowers are small and reddish-brown.

Asarum arifolium: This variety has heart-shaped leaves with a pointed tip and a rough texture. The flowers are small and brown.

Asarum caudatum: This variety has long, tailed leaves that resemble a lizard's tail. The flowers are small and reddish-brown.

Asarum fauriei: This variety has kidney-shaped leaves with a matte texture and prominent veins. The flowers are small and brown. There are several cultivars of Asarum fauriei available, including 'Ginba' with silvery-veined leaves and 'Pitter Patter' with smaller, rounded leaves.

How Do I Care For Asarum In My Garden?

Asarum, also known as wild ginger, is a low-maintenance plant that thrives in shady locations with moist soil. Here's a breakdown on how to care for it in your garden:

Lighting and Soil:

Light: Aim for shady or dappled sunlight. Avoid planting Asarum in full sun, especially in hot climates where the leaves can scorch.
Soil: The key is well-drained soil rich in organic matter that retains moisture. Amending the planting area with compost or aged manure before planting is highly recommended. Asarum prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.8. You can test your soil's pH with a home testing kit available at most garden centers.

Watering and Feeding:

Watering: Water regularly, especially during the first growing season and during hot or dry spells. Aim to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Asarum tolerates short periods of drought but will perform best with consistent moisture.
Feeding: Asarum is not a heavy feeder, but a light top dressing of compost in spring can be beneficial.

Other Care Tips:

Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around your Asarum plants to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Aim for a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch, such as shredded bark or compost.
Dividing: You can propagate Asarum by dividing established clumps in early spring. Dig up the clump carefully and use a sharp knife to divide it into sections, each with healthy roots and shoots. Replant the divisions immediately.
Pests and Diseases: Asarum is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, keep an eye out for slugs and snails, which can damage the foliage. You can handpick these pests or use organic control methods such as beer traps or diatomaceous earth.

Additional Tips:

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage additional blooms.
Asarum is slow-growing, so be patient and don't expect it to fill in overnight.
Enjoy the beautiful foliage and unique charm that Asarum brings to your shade garden!

Do Asarum attract pollinators?

Asarum plants have a bit of an interesting relationship with pollinators. Here is the breakdown:

·Yes, but not primarily: Asarum flowers do attract some pollinators, but they are not particularly showy or fragrant. The small, brownish flowers are often hidden beneath the leaves.

·Beetles, flies, and ants are visitors: The main pollinators of Asarum are small insects like beetles, flies, and ants. These insects are attracted to the flower's dull color and mild odor, which can resemble decomposing organic matter. While they may visit the flower for these reasons, it is not guaranteed they will cause pollination.

·Self-pollination is key: In fact, many Asarum species, particularly the eastern North American variety (Asarum canadense), are primarily self-pollinating. The flower structure allows pollen from the male parts to easily reach the female parts of the same flower, ensuring seed production even without the help of pollinators.

So, while Asarum does attract some pollinators, they are not the main focus of the plant's reproductive strategy. Self-pollination takes precedence for Asarum.

Are There Any Common Pests Or Diseases That Affect Asarum?

The good news is that Asarum is generally considered a low-maintenance plant and relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, there are a few things to keep an eye out for:

Slugs and Snails: These slimy mollusks love to munch on tender foliage, and Asarum's leaves can be a target. You can handpick these pests at night when they are most active, or use organic control methods such as beer traps or diatomaceous earth.
Fungal Diseases: In very moist conditions or with poor drainage, fungal diseases like root rot can occur. Ensuring proper drainage and avoiding overwatering is key to preventing this.

Here are some additional tips to keep your Asarum healthy:

Maintain good air circulation: While Asarum prefers shade, avoid overcrowding plants. Good air circulation helps prevent fungal diseases.
Remove fallen leaves: Cleaning up fallen leaves around the base of the plant can help reduce the risk of disease and attract fewer pests.
Monitor for signs of trouble: Keep an eye out for any changes in your Asarum's foliage, such as wilting, yellowing, or holes in the leaves. Early detection and treatment can help prevent problems from worsening.

By following these tips, you can help your Asarum thrive in your shade garden for many years to come.

Can I Use Asarum in Floral Arrangements?

While Asarum has beautiful foliage, it would not be the most ideal choice for floral arrangements for a few reasons:

Flowers: The main drawback is the flowers themselves. Asarum flowers are small, inconspicuous, and often hidden beneath the leaves. Their brownish or reddish color would not add much visual interest to an arrangement.
Leaf fragility: While the heart-shaped or kidney-shaped leaves are attractive, they can be delicate. They might wilt or bruise easily during handling and arranging.
Short vase life: Asarum is not typically grown as a cut flower, and the foliage may not have a long lifespan in a vase.

Better alternatives for floral arrangements:

If you are looking for shade-loving foliage for arrangements, consider these options with longer-lasting and more visually striking features:

Hosta: Hosta offers a variety of leaf shapes, sizes, and colors that can add texture and interest to bouquets.
Ferns: Lacy fronds of ferns come in various shades of green and can add a delicate, airy touch.
Begonia: Certain begonia varieties boast beautiful foliage in shades of green, burgundy, and even with metallic sheens.
Caladium: Caladiums are known for their vibrantly colored, patterned leaves, perfect for adding a bold statement.

Using Asarum in potted arrangements:

While Asarum might not be the best for cut flower arrangements, you could consider using it in potted container displays. Here, the plant can thrive in its preferred growing conditions and add a touch of shade-loving greenery to your floral composition.

Is Asarum Invasive?

The invasiveness of Asarum depends on the specific species and the local environment. Here is a breakdown:

Generally, Not Invasive: Most Asarum species, particularly the popular varieties like Canadian Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense) and European Wild Ginger (Asarum europaeum), are not considered invasive. They are slow to moderately spreading plants and are unlikely to take over a garden bed.
Fast Spreading in Ideal Conditions: However, under ideal conditions with consistently moist soil and plenty of shade, some Asarum species can become more vigorous spreaders. They may spread by underground rhizomes and potentially crowd out other plants.
Consider Native vs. Introduced Species: If you are concerned about invasiveness, it is generally recommended to choose native Asarum species for your area. Native plants are less likely to become aggressive and can support the local ecosystem.

Here are some resources to help you identify Asarum species native to your area:

Native Plants Database:https://npn.rngr.net/
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map:https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/

Controlling Asarum Spread (if needed):

If you find your Asarum spreading more than desired, here are some methods for controlling it:

Physical Barriers: You can install edging around the planting area to restrict the spread of underground rhizomes.
Division and Replanting: Dig up and divide established clumps but be cautious not to unintentionally encourage further spread by leaving behind root fragments.
Herbicides (as a last resort): Herbicides should be a last resort and should only be used according to the label instructions for specific Asarum species.

By understanding the growth habits of your specific Asarum variety and planning accordingly, you can enjoy this shade-loving perennial in your garden without worrying about invasiveness.

When Is The Best Time To propagate Asarum?

The best time to propagate Asarum depends on the method you choose:

Division: Early spring (just as new growth emerges) is considered the best time to propagate Asarum by division. The cool soil temperatures and increased moisture levels in spring favor successful root establishment for the divided sections.
Seed: Propagating Asarum by seed is a slower process and requires patience. If you choose this method, collect seeds when the seed capsules start to split open, typically in fall. You can sow the seeds directly outdoors in a shaded location with moist soil or start them indoors in pots with a well-draining potting mix. Seeds can take several months or even a year to germinate.

Here is a quick summary table:

Propagation Method	Best Timing
Division	Early Spring
Seed	Fall (seed collection) or stratification period followed by sowing indoors or outdoors

Additional Considerations:

No matter which method you choose, ensure you have the proper tools (sharp knife for division) and suitable growing conditions for the new plants.
For successful propagation by division, choose healthy, mature Asarum plants.
Regardless of the timing, proper care after propagation is crucial for the Asarum's survival. Maintain consistent moisture, provide shade, and avoid disturbing the newly propagated plants until they establish themselves.

What are the benefits of planting Asarum?

Here are the benefits of planting Asarum in your garden:

Beautiful Shade-loving Foliage: Asarum offers a lush carpet of attractive heart-shaped or kidney-shaped leaves throughout the growing season. Depending on the variety, the leaves can be evergreen or deciduous and come in various shades of green, some with interesting patterns or variegations. This makes them a perfect choice for adding year-round greenery to shady areas of your garden.
Low-Maintenance Groundcover: Asarum is a low-maintenance plant that thrives with minimal care. Once established, it requires moderate watering and does not need frequent fertilization. It also spreads by underground rhizomes, helping to suppress weeds and create a dense groundcover.
Deer and Rabbit Resistant: Asarum is unpalatable to deer and rabbits, making it a good choice for gardens prone to these pests. You can enjoy your Asarum plants without worrying about them being munched on by herbivores.
Attracts Beneficial Insects: While not the most showy flowers, Asarum blooms do attract some beneficial insects like beetles and flies. These insects may contribute to pollination and can help control other pest populations in your garden.
Adapts to Various Soil Types: While Asarum prefers moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter, it can tolerate a range of soil conditions, including clay loam. This makes it adaptable to different garden settings.
Slow Erosion Control: The dense groundcover formed by Asarum can help prevent soil erosion on slopes or in areas with heavy rain.
Easy to Propagate: Asarum can be easily propagated by dividing established clumps in early spring. This allows you to expand your Asarum plantings or share them with others.

Overall, Asarum is a versatile and low-maintenance plant that offers a multitude of benefits for shade gardens. From its beautiful foliage and low-growing habit to its deer resistance and ease of propagation, Asarum can be a valuable addition to your landscaping.

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Asarum

Asarum splendens (30)ct Flat

Asarum

Asarum splendens (30)ct Flat