Asarum splendens
Common Name: Chinese Wild Ginger
One of the finest members of the ginger family. Large, elongated heart-shaped, dark green leaves are elegantly mottled with shimmering silver pigment throughout. They remain semi-evergreen through mild winters and a new set of leaves is produced in spring, covering the previous year's growth.
In early spring, 2" wide, dark purple flowers are produced under the foliage at soil level. Though the flowers are not particularly showy, they are interestingly attractive.
Asarum splendens is a vigorous rhizomatic species that forms a thick mat of foliage, making it an ideal groundcover for shady gardens. It is also nice in containers.
Though this plant is listed as being hardy to zone 6, it may also overwinter in zone 5 with protection.
