Ungulate P9(0.5L)

Common Hoofwort – Evergreen Decoration for Shady Corners

Asarum europaeum is an evergreen, low-rise ground cover perennial naturally found in European forests. This plant is prized for its shiny, heart-shaped leaves that adorn the garden all year round. It is an ideal choice for shady positions and moist soils, where it creates dense, elegant carpets. Thanks to its resistance and longevity, it is perfect for naturalistic and forest garden arrangements.

Main features of the common hoofwort

List

• Colour: Intense green, with a glossy, almost lacquered surface.
• Shape: Heart-shaped, fleshy, with smooth edges.
• Decorativeness: The leaves are ornamental all year round, maintaining their attractive appearance even in winter.

Flowers

• Colour: Reddish-brown, small and hardly visible, often hidden under leaves.
• Shape: Bell-shaped, three-lobed, with an interesting, exotic appearance.
• Flowering period: April–May, although flowers are mainly a botanical curiosity.

Cut

• Form: A low, creeping perennial.
• Height: It reaches only 5–10 cm, forming a dense, turf carpet.
• Sprawl: Thanks to its stolons, it spreads quickly, forming compact groups.

Cultivation requirements of the common hoofwort

Location and soil

• Position: It prefers partial shade or shade, but tolerates light sunlight, provided moist soil.
• Soil: Fertile, humus, moist, slightly acidic to neutral.

Watering and fertilizing

• Watering: It requires regular watering, especially during periods of drought. The soil should be constantly slightly moist.
• Fertilization: In spring, it is advisable to apply compost or organic fertilizer to promote growth and improve leaf quality.

Care

• Trimming: It does not require pruning, but you can remove damaged leaves in the spring to improve the aesthetics of the plant.
• Reproduction: The easiest way to propagate is by dividing the clumps in spring or autumn.
• Wintering: It is fully frost hardy (zone 4–8) and does not require additional protection for the winter.

Use of the common hoofwort

Flower beds and garden compositions

• Shade beds: Ideal for shady beds under trees, where its evergreen foliage brings harmony and elegance.
• Perennial compositions: It goes well with ferns, brunerias, cranesbills and other shade-loving plants.

Ground cover

• Thanks to the rapid growth of the rhizomes, it is perfect as a ground cover plant in shady places.

Forest and naturalistic gardens

• An excellent choice for gardens in a naturalistic style, where its leaves resemble the undergrowth.

Edging and paths

• It is suitable for bed edges and along paths, where its low habit and glossy leaves create a striking finish.

Why choose the common hoofwort?

• Evergreen leaves: Its heart-shaped, glossy leaves adorn the garden all year round.
• Shade Tolerance: Ideal for difficult, shady areas where other plants may have difficulty developing.
• Easy care: It is an undemanding plant that does well in various conditions.
• Natural beauty: It gives the garden a forest character and harmonizes with the natural surroundings.

Plant Specifications

• Flower pot: 0.5 liters
• Age: 2 years old
  
• Frost resistance: Yes