Overview
Transform your shaded garden spaces into a vibrant, natural haven with our premium selection of wild ginger bare root plants. Each order includes 5 organically grown Asarum Canadense bare root plants, ready to establish and thrive in your landscape. Wild Ginger, also known as Canadian Wild Ginger, is a captivating native perennial renowned for its heart-shaped leaves and unique, inconspicuous, jug-shaped flowers that bloom at ground level in early spring. This resilient plant forms an attractive groundcover, spreading gently to create a verdant carpet. Ideal for woodland gardens, shaded borders, or naturalized areas, the Asarum Canadense plant offers an authentic touch of North American flora, contributing to local biodiversity and providing habitat for native insects. These bare root plants are harvested per order to ensure maximum freshness and viability upon arrival, making them an excellent choice for gardeners seeking to introduce a robust and beautiful native wildflower plant into their outdoor environments.
Key Benefits
Embrace the unique advantages of incorporating Wild Ginger into your garden. This remarkable perennial not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also offers ecological benefits, making it a valuable addition to various landscapes. Its adaptability and natural beauty contribute to a thriving and balanced garden ecosystem.
- Exceptional Shade Tolerance: Wild Ginger thrives in deeply shaded areas where many other plants struggle, making it an ideal solution for under trees, on north-facing slopes, or in dense woodland settings. It creates a lush, green carpet even in low light conditions, perfect for a shade garden perennial.
- Beautiful Groundcover: With its distinctive heart-shaped leaves, Wild Ginger quickly forms an attractive and dense groundcover, suppressing weeds naturally and reducing the need for constant maintenance. Its uniform growth habit provides a serene and cohesive look.
- Native Ecosystem Support: As a native wildflower plant, Asarum Canadense plays a crucial role in supporting local ecosystems. It provides early-season nectar for pollinators and serves as a host plant for certain butterfly species, enhancing biodiversity in your garden.
- Low Maintenance & Resilient: Once established, Wild Ginger requires minimal care, tolerating various soil conditions and resisting common pests and diseases. This makes it an excellent choice for busy gardeners or those seeking an easy-to-grow plant.
- Unique Ornamental Appeal: Beyond its foliage, the subtle, bell-shaped maroon flowers that emerge at the base of the plant in spring offer a charming surprise, adding a touch of understated beauty to your garden. The textured leaves provide seasonal interest.
- Erosion Control: Its spreading root system helps to stabilize soil, making it effective for preventing erosion on slopes and banks, particularly in shaded, moist areas.
- Aromatic Foliage: The leaves of Wild Ginger emit a pleasant, spicy fragrance when crushed, reminiscent of true ginger, adding an interesting sensory element to your garden experience.
Plant Care & Growing Tips
Cultivating a thriving patch of wild ginger bare root plants is straightforward with the right approach. These hardy perennials are forgiving, but understanding their preferred conditions will ensure vigorous growth and a beautiful display. When planting your Asarum Canadense plant, choose a location that mimics its natural woodland habitat.
Sunlight requirements: Wild Ginger prefers full to partial shade. Avoid direct afternoon sun, which can scorch its delicate leaves. It thrives in the dappled light found under deciduous trees or on the north side of buildings. For optimal results, aim for areas that receive no more than 1-2 hours of gentle morning sun.
Watering schedule and soil moisture preferences: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the first year of establishment. While it tolerates some dry periods once mature, it prefers evenly moist conditions. Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Soil type and drainage requirements: This woodland plant care essential thrives in rich, well-draining soil that is high in organic matter. Amend heavy clay soils with compost or leaf mold to improve drainage and fertility. A slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0) is ideal.
Temperature range and USDA hardiness zone: Wild Ginger is incredibly cold-hardy, typically thriving in USDA zones 4-8. It can withstand freezing winter temperatures and prefers cooler climates. Protect from extreme heat in warmer zones by ensuring consistent moisture and deep shade.
Fertilization schedule and type: Generally, Wild Ginger does not require heavy fertilization. An annual application of a balanced, slow-release organic fertilizer in spring, or a top dressing of compost, will provide sufficient nutrients for healthy growth. Over-fertilization can harm the plant.
Common problems and solutions: Wild Ginger is relatively pest and disease-free. Slugs and snails may occasionally munch on leaves; use organic slug baits or hand-pick them. Ensure good air circulation and proper drainage to prevent fungal issues in overly wet conditions. If leaves appear yellow, it could indicate too much sun or nutrient deficiency, so adjust accordingly.
Size & Details
Each order includes 5 Wild Ginger bare root plants (Asarum Canadense), carefully harvested to ensure viability. These bare roots are dormant sections of the plant’s rhizome, without foliage or a pot, ready for planting. Upon establishment, individual plants typically grow to a height of 6-12 inches and spread to form clumps of 12-18 inches wide, eventually forming a dense groundcover. The growth rate is moderate, with plants establishing well in the first growing season and spreading more significantly in subsequent years. Expect the distinctive heart-shaped leaves to emerge in spring, followed by the unique, ground-level flowers. These plants are shipped without foliage or a pot, ensuring they are in their most resilient state for transplanting and establishing a robust Asarum Canadense plant in your garden.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: How big does this plant get? A: Once established, individual Wild Ginger plants typically grow to a height of 6-12 inches, with a spread of 12-18 inches. They form a dense groundcover over time.
- Q: Is this an indoor or outdoor plant? A: Wild Ginger bare root plants are primarily intended for outdoor cultivation. They thrive in shaded garden environments and are not typically grown as indoor houseplants.
- Q: How much sunlight does it need? A: Wild Ginger prefers full to partial shade. It performs best in areas with dappled light or morning sun, avoiding harsh afternoon sun that can damage its leaves.
- Q: Is this plant easy to care for? A: Yes, Asarum Canadense plant is considered low-maintenance once established. It’s an excellent choice for beginners looking for a resilient shade garden perennial.
- Q: What condition will it arrive in? A: Your order will arrive as wild ginger bare root plants, meaning they are dormant roots without foliage or a pot. They are harvested fresh per order to ensure optimal health for planting.
- Q: When is the best time to plant Wild Ginger bare roots? A: The best time to plant Wild Ginger bare roots is in early spring or fall when the weather is cool and moist, allowing them to establish before extreme temperatures.
- Q: Will it survive winter in my zone? A: Wild Ginger is very cold-hardy and thrives in USDA Zones 4-8, making it suitable for most climates across the US. It will go dormant in winter and re-emerge in spring.
- Q: Can I use this plant for culinary purposes like true ginger? A: While the root has a ginger-like aroma, it is not the same as culinary ginger (Zingiber officinale) and should not be consumed in large quantities. It has been used historically in small amounts for medicinal purposes by native peoples.
- Q: Is this plant deer resistant? A: Yes, Wild Ginger is generally considered deer and rabbit resistant, making it a good choice for gardens where these animals are a problem.
- Q: How quickly does it spread to form groundcover? A: Wild Ginger spreads at a moderate rate through its rhizomes. You can expect noticeable spread within 2-3 years, eventually forming a dense and beautiful groundcover.


































