Hexastylis vs. Asarum

Wild Ginger and Heartleaf Heartiness

• Although the foliage of both genera could be called heart-shaped, the wild gingers' leaves are usually larger, more rounded and plainer than the heartleafs' sometimes silver-mottled ones. For example, those of Canadian wild ginger (Asarum canadense) can measure up to 6 inches across, while many heartleafs reach less than half that size. This doesn’t always hold true, however, as the leaves of large-flower heartleaf (Hexastylis shuttleworthii) can reportedly surpass those of the Canadian ginger in southern settings. That could be due to the fact that the Canadian plant grows more vigorously in the north.

Wild Ginger and Heartleaf Hiddenness

• Both genera produce interesting cup-shaped flowers – often called “little brown jugs” -- in maroon, purple or black shades as well as brown. Because those blooms grow at the base of the plant beneath the leaves, you will need to get down on your knees and do some exploring to find them. Since the bees can’t see them either, the flowers are usually pollinated by flightless insects such as ants. The most spectacular blooms of the genus may well be those of the Asian panda-face ginger (Asarum maximum), which are painted a striking black and white.

Wild Ginger and Heartleaf Hardiness

• The deciduous and fast-spreading Canadian wild ginger scrambles across U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 to 8. European wild ginger (Asarum europaeum) and Western wild ginger (Asarum caudatum) are both glossier and evergreen, but less hardy, with the former only dependable in USDA zones 4 to 9, and the latter preferring USDA zones 6 to 10. Arrowleaf (Hexastylis arifolia) is most common in southern states, though it is said to be hardy as far north as USDA zones 4 to 9, while large-flower heartleaf can manage USDA zones 5 to 9. Such highly decorative Asian types as Asarum maximum and the silver-trimmed Hexastylis splendens "Quicksilver" are, unfortunately, only hardy in USDA zones 6 to 10.

Wild Ginger and Heartleaf Happiness

• Both the wild gingers and heartleafs will be happiest in the conditions common on a forest floor. They grow best in acidic, humus-rich soil in either full or partial shade. As in the woods, the soil should be slightly moist at all times but never soggy. The plants appreciate occasional feedings with compost, but it’s a good idea to rake dead leaves away from them in the spring to discourage their greatest pest -- slugs. If you scatter slug bait around the plants to protect them, remember to reapply it after each rain.