Chinese wild ginger is an evergreen or semi-evergreen, low-growing herbaceous perennial in the pipevine family (Aristolochiaceae). It is native to moist forest openings, grasslands and slopes of south-central China. The specific epithet is Latin for “splendid.”
It prefers well-drained neutral to acidic soil that is consistently moist in part shade to full shade. Plant with the crown level to the soil; avoid planting too deep. The plant will grow up to 8 inches tall and fill a 1.5-foot space by producing offsets from an underground rhizome. To avoid winter burn, plant it in a site protected from wind and sun. Propagate by division.
The striking, large, arrow-shaped leaves are dark green with silvery variegation. The unusual brown to purple, bell-shaped flowers grow at ground level.
Use as a ground cover in a shady or woodland garden, a cottage garden, an Asian garden, or a winter garden. Be cautious where you plant it; it spreads and is difficult to eradicate. It is perhaps best confined to a container.