Shade is a must—either light or fairly heavy. (See page 116 for an explanation of different types of shade.) As with many shade lovers, rich, moist, but well-drained soil that doesn’t dry out in summer is also essential. Work lots of leaf compost or peat moss into the soil before planting, then mulch with a thin layer of leaf compost in late fall or late winter. Water well during dry spells in summer. Unlike with some ground covers, there is no need to remove the spent flowers of European wild ginger to maintain its attractiveness. In addition, the leaf cover is enough to suppress most weeds. Seedlings often appear under large clumps; transplant them as soon as they are large enough to handle.
European wild ginger is an easy-care, spreading foliage plant that looks good all season long. It spreads in a noninvasive manner, making it an ideal ground cover for areas with part or full shade. The flowers are a nondescript greenish brown. Tucked under the foliage, they play no role in the ornamental value of this evergreen plant. The roots smell of ginger when bruised or cut—hence the common name. Clusters of the shiny, round leaves make a perfect backdrop for a nosegay of violets or a bouquet of other tiny flowers.
Wild ginger is a valuable ground cover to plant alongside woodland paths and at the front of woodland gardens. The elegant foliage is equally at home in more formal and shady urban settings. To create an exciting interplay of textures, place it alongside low-growing ferns, dwarf astilbes, and dwarf hostas. It is especially pleasing when underplanted with small spring-flowering bulbs such as crocus or Siberian squill.
ZONES: 4–8
BLOOM TIME: Inconspicuous flowers
LIGHT: Part to full shade
HEIGHT: 6 inches
INTEREST: Heart-shaped, shiny dark green leaves that make a very desirable mat-forming evergreen ground cover