December Plant of the Month
A creeping, evergreen perennial that can be seen covering the floor of central European woods, as ivy does in British woods. Round kidney-shaped leaves of rich glossy green will slowly make evergreen carpets in shady situations. Dull red to purple flowers in April are hidden under the leaves, but are sought out by fertilising flies and beetles. Definitely a plant to grow for its attractive foliage and not its flowers.
Although they are commonly referred to as wild gingers (they are not culinary gingers) but are so-called because their rhizomes have a similar spicy scent. Toxic – not to be eaten!
Likes a humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil and full to partial shade. I like to use it as an edging plant as it always looks smart. Height 10cm, spread 30cm.
