Looking to turn a shady patch into something extraordinary? Wild ginger could be your secret weapon. This tough, low-maintenance groundcover doesn’t just survive in low light; it spreads, creating a dense, green carpet where other plants fail.
Whether you’re after a lush woodland vibe or a naturalized backyard oasis, wild ginger makes it easy. Here’s how to harness its charm and resilience to transform overlooked areas into vibrant green retreats.
What Is Wild Ginger?
Wild ginger (Asarum canadense) is a charming woodland perennial native to eastern North America. This low-growing plant spreads slowly via rhizomes to form dense patches of glossy heart-shaped leaves, typically 3-6 inches wide. In the spring, small purplish-brown flowers bloom near the ground, often hidden by the foliage.
Although not a true ginger, the leaves emit a ginger-like aroma when crushed. (ref)
Wild ginger has a low spreading mounded growth habit, reaching just 6-12 inches tall. It prefers shady, cool, moist soil as found in its native woodland habitat. The leaves are semi-evergreen to evergreen depending on the climate, providing year-round interest.
Benefits of Wild Ginger as a Native Ground Cover
Once established, wild ginger is remarkably low-maintenance. It requires little watering, fertilizing or pruning and has no serious pest or disease issues. This makes it an excellent choice for naturalizing shady areas with minimal care.
Over time, wild ginger slowly spreads to fill in bare patches, crowding out weeds and reducing erosion in the process. The dense foliage also provides valuable cover for beneficial insects and wildlife.
The attractive glossy green heart-shaped leaves lend an interesting texture to shady gardens. In the spring, the unusual purplish-brown flowers add a subtle touch of intrigue. In milder climates, the evergreen foliage looks great year-round.
How to Plant Wild Ginger
The first step is selecting an appropriate planting site. Choose a location with part to full shade and well-draining but consistently moist soil. A native woodland setting is ideal for wild ginger to thrive.
If needed, amend the soil with compost to improve moisture retention. Wild ginger is adaptable and can tolerate clay and rocky soil. A slightly acidic soil pH between 5.5-6.5 is best.
Plant wild ginger in spring or fall for best results. When planting multiple wild gingers for a groundcover, space them 12-18 inches apart. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball, and set the crown of the plant just below the soil surface.
Water your newly planted wild gingers well and continue watering regularly until they are established.
Wild Ginger Care & Maintenance
Wild ginger prefers consistently moist but not soggy soil. Water during dry spells for the first year until the plants are well rooted. Once established, mature plants have good drought tolerance.
In rich woodland soil, wild ginger typically does not need fertilizer. If desired, you can apply a light dose of balanced organic fertilizer in the spring. A 2-3 inch layer of natural leaf mulch applied in the fall is very beneficial for wild ginger. The mulch helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.
No pruning is required, as old leaves are naturally replaced by new growth. You can trim off tattered leaves in early spring if desired. Every 3-4 years, consider dividing established clumps to rejuvenate them.
Propagating Wild Ginger
Wild ginger can be propagated by division in spring or fall. Dig up an established clump and separate it into sections, each with roots and leaves. Replant the divisions immediately in the garden.
Growing wild ginger from seed is also possible but much slower. Collect seeds from the pods in late summer. Sow them outdoors in fall to stratify over winter. The seeds will then germinate the following spring. Division is a faster method for expanding wild ginger plantings.
Wild ginger is a slow grower, so patience is required. It can take a few years for plantings to really fill in. Division helps hasten the establishment of a dense groundcover. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can damage the leaves.
Companion Plants for Wild Ginger
Wild ginger is a superb companion for other shade-loving native plants. Consider pairing it with:
- Ferns like Christmas fern, lady fern, or wood ferns
- Foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia)
- Solomon’s seal (Polygonatum odoratum)
- Trillium species
- Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis)
- Shooting star (Dodecatheon meadia)
These combinations create a beautiful tapestry of textures and colors on the woodland floor.
Embracing the Beauty & Benefits of Wild Ginger
Incorporate wild ginger into your shade garden for an environmentally-friendly, low-effort groundcover that offers multi-season beauty. With patience and proper siting, wild ginger will reward you with a resilient, weed-suppressing carpet that supports your local ecosystem.
So embark on this rewarding garden adventure and add some wild ginger to your landscape!
Don’t Miss These:
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.