If you part the leaves of Asarum splendens (Chinese Wild Ginger) and look down into the base of the plant, you may find the cup-shaped, purplish brown flowers. Asarum splendens is semi-evergreen, and a relatively quick spreader by rhizomes to form an attractive ground cover for shade. It is best grown in moist, humusy, rich, well-drained soil in part sun to part shade. The term splendens means "splendid,' possibly in reference to the showy leaf variegation.
Flower of Asarum splendens
Note the little slug who has found a hiding place inside the flower.
The variegated foliage of Asarum splendens
