Scientific Name:

Hexastylis arifolia

Common Name:

Heartleaf ginger

Scientific Name Pronounciation:

hex-uh-STY-lus air-ih-FOH-lee-uh

Plant Type:

Groundcover

Plant Hardiness Zones:

5-9

Plant Hardiness Zone(s):

    Usual Size:

    2-10 in. H x 12 in. W

    Flower:

    Urn-like blossom is really a jug-shaped calyx with 3 pointed lobes close to the ground and is sometimes hard to find.

    Bloom Time Notes:

    Spring

    Leaf:

    Leaves are 3-6 inches long (sometimes longer) and form thick, evergreen, arrowhead-shaped triangles on long petioles arising from the rootstock

    Fruit:

    Wildlife:

    Pollinated by small insects

    Natural Habitat:

    Common in rich, shady, moist woods; also sometimes in dry woods.

    Propagation:

    Divide older plants carefully in early spring or late fall; difficult from seed

    Bloom Time:

      Sun or Shade:

        Companion Plants:

        Cultural Notes:

        Heartleaf ginger (Hexastylis arifolia) has beautiful evergreen foilage frequently decorated with an intricate, mottled pattern of silver or cream; frequently bears only one or two leaves in dry Piedmont woods, but in humus-rich locations it is not uncommon to find spectacular clumps bearing a dozen to two dozen leaves. Plant can survive with very little sun if it has sufficient moisture, but needs well-drained soil.

        Brush away the leaf litter to reveal the flowers to kids in spring time.

        Transplant tips: The feeder roots are fleshy and if disturbed the plant might droop and will need a little care and time to recover; keep plant moist during recovery.

         

        Other Common Names: Little Brown Jug, Evergreen Wild Ginger, Arrow-Leaf Ginger

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