How to Plant, Grow, and Care for European Ginger

European ginger is a shade-loving, glossy, and evergreen species perfect for your collection. Also known as Asarum europaeum, the plant is grown as ground cover, and slowly spreads to form a six-inch deep, dark green carpet of heart-shaped leaves.

With radiant bell-shaped blooms appearing from late spring to early summer, the flowers often go unnoticed as the foliage is dense and thick.

So let’s discuss this ground cover plant, and cover all the basics for its care.

What is European Ginger?

Asarum europaeum is a low-growing, evergreen perennial commonly cultivated as a ground cover. In its native area, it is often used in woodland gardens, flower borders, or as an underplanting for taller shrubs and trees. Although not edible like culinary ginger, it adds aesthetic and ecological value to gardens by offering shelter to small wildlife and improving soil structure.

Native Area

Although the wild ginger plant is native to Europe, many different species are found in North America as well. Best grown in moist and slightly acidic soil, the species is called “wild ginger” because the rhizomes of its cousin – Asarum canadense – were harvested as a ginger substitute.

Characteristics

European ginger produces glossy, rich green leaves that make the ground cover for rock gardens and woodland gardens. Since the leaves can grow up to three inches, the plant offers aesthetically beautiful foliage for edging and underplanting shrubs, slopes, and banks.

Having received the prestigious Award of Garden Merit from the British Royal Horticultural Society, Asarum europaeum flourishes throughout the year. As an evergreen, it is grown in all four seasons with spring and summer being the most popular.

However, the leaves can be vulnerable to winter burn, which is why they should be kept in areas with harsh winters. Overall, wild ginger makes a mound of great foliage plants that work well in shade gardens.

The characteristics of the leaves include a dark green shade, shiny texture, and patterning. Under favorable conditions, the plants spread quickly and vigorously as ground cover, as they self-seed.

Varieties

Asarum europaeum is one of the 60-70 species belonging to the family of Aristolochiaceae. These woodland perennials are part of the genus Asarum. This variety itself doesn’t have any specific cultivars. However, it has a North American cousin with the name of wild ginger with rhizomes that smell and taste like ginger.

Planting

Choose a shady or partially shaded location with moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Begin by preparing the soil: remove weeds and incorporate compost or well-rotted organic materials to enhance fertility and structure.

Space about 12 to 18 inches apart, as they will spread gradually to form a dense ground cover. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball, place it in the hole at the same depth it was growing in its container, and backfill it with soil.

Gently firm the soil around the roots and water thoroughly. To retain moisture and suppress weeds, mulch around the base with leaf mold, bark chips, or compost. Keep the soil consistently moist while they are establishing.

How to Grow

As a shade-lover, European ginger generally requires low upkeep; however, it does require regular watering and well-drained soil. When grown under favorable conditions, it can reach up to 12″ in height.

The evergreen leaves need a gentle environment to thrive as they’re easily damaged by chilly, and strong winds. Nonetheless, European wild ginger can do wonders to add a rich depth of color to your garden. If you plan on growing it anytime soon, here’s everything you should know about its care and maintenance.

Light

As mentioned before, European ginger grows best in partial to full shade, so it barely needs sunlight. However, the plants still appreciate a little bit of the morning sun. Direct sunlight, especially during the hottest parts of the day, can scorch its glossy leaves and hinder its growth.

Water and Humidity

The European wild ginger plant requires regular and thorough watering as it needs plenty of moisture. However, while its watering needs are significant, make sure not to overwater as waterlogged soil can lead to fungal diseases like root rot.

Soil

Although it does well in average soil and clay soil, wild ginger grows much faster in rich humus. Generally, Asarum europaeum thrives the best in slightly acidic, well-draining, yet moist soils. The best soil types are loam, chalk, and clay. Moist soil is also a must.

Temperature

These plants need a gentle climate, as extreme temperatures (hot or cold) can damage the sensitive leaves. It will grow well in temperate climates and is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.

Grow in areas where summer temperatures do not exceed 80°F (27°C) for extended periods. During winter, European ginger remains evergreen in milder climates but can tolerate frosts and light snow in colder regions.

Fertilizer

European ginger requires sparing amounts of all-purpose liquid fertilizer. In early spring, you can also mix in organic fertilizer to ensure the plant grows properly throughout the year.

Maintenance

European ginger has dense, thick foliage that spreads quickly. While it can grow in pots, it’s not recommended; thus, repotting isn’t a concern. It grows beautifully around shrubs, on banks and slopes, and as ground cover.

You can still grow European ginger in a container if you wish, but they will quickly outgrow the pot. Simply sow the seeds in a container or divide its hairy root stems right after the first frost has passed.

They should only be pruned in spring and never in winter, as the new leaves are susceptible to winter burn. Simply, remove the dead leaves and branches to keep it clean.

Propagation

Propagate European ginger by division during early spring. All you have to do is divide the hairy root stems and space the new plantings ten to twelve inches apart.

Common Problems

European ginger grows best in gardens with good, shady areas. Although it’s virtually pest-free, the leaves are vulnerable to snails and slugs. The rich green color of the leaves attracts these nasty insects.

Growing Problems

Too much sun, especially for plantings in full sunlight can cause singed leaves and dieback in European ginger. Provide shade where possible, and avoid planting in full sunlight areas at all costs.

Pests

To ward off stubborn slugs and snails, use beer traps. Dig a hole near the ground covers and bury a beer can or a container with cheap beer inside it. Since slugs and snails are naturally attracted to beer, they will easily slip in and drown.

You can also spread some mint leaves in the soil as both snails and slugs are highly repulsive to the smell. This will complement the non-invasive European ginger and also act as strong pest deterrents!

Diseases

The European ginger makes growing a breeze, as it’s completely disease-free!

Frequently Asked Questions