Asarum europaeum

Asarum europaeum is a strange, yet interesting creeping perennial, perfect for growing as groundcover in shady spots in rock or woodland gardens. It has dark green, kidney-shaped leaves among which solitary, purple-brown, drooping, bell-shaped flowers appear in summer. The plant was once grown for its purgative and emetic properties and also used as an ingredient in snuff. Its roots have a sweet fragrance, which gave it its common name of hardy ginger.

Grow Asarum europaeum in moist, humus-rich soil in cool or partial shade.