Plant Min Zone: 4a
Plant Max Zone: 6b
Sunlight: Part Sun, Shade
Water / Rainfall: Average, High
Soil Quality: Rich
Bloom Season: Insignificant
Flower Color: Insignificant
Berry / Fruit Color: None
Spring Foliage Color: Green, Silver-Grey, Variegated
Summer Foliage Color: Green, Silver-Grey, Variegated
Fall Foliage Color: Green, Silver-Grey, Variegated
Evergreen Foliage: Yes
Winter Interest: Yes
Scented Flowers: No
Drought Tolerance: Low
Wet-Feet Tolerance: Low
Humidity Tolerance: Medium
Wind Tolerance: Low, Medium
Poor Soil Tolerance: No Extreme Soils
Height: 0.5' - 0.75'
Width: 1' - 1.5'
Growth Rate: Slow, Medium
Service Life: Short: 1-3 years
Maintenance Need: Medium
Spreading Potential: Extremely Low
Yearly Trimming Tips: Trim Evergreen Perennial Only if Winter-Kill Occurs.
Plant Grouping Size: Small Grouping of 3-5
Best Side of House: East Exposure, North Exposure
Extreme Planting Locations: None
Ornamental Features: Bright Winter Color, Exceptional / Colorful Foliage
Special Landscape Uses: Groundcover
Possible Pest Problems: Weed Competition
Plant Limitations: Environmental Stress / Decline, Needs Regular Irrigation
Shippable in 2026: YES
Chinese Wild Ginger (Asarum splendens) is planted for its unusual evergreen leaf pattern and color resembling a bright green house plant growing outside in winter. Foliage maintains well all year provided that certain cultural conditions are met. Native to Chinese forests in humusy, medium well-drained soil in part shade to full shade, it needs constantly moist soil rich in organic matter but avoid clay. If low temperatures hit -10 degrees F, foliage finally dies back to the ground and re-emerges in early spring. Generally this plant declines after a few years of Kansas climate but worth a try in perfect soils in well-tended shade gardens.