When to plant European wild ginger?

Hazelwort thrives in full or partial shade, making it an excellent ground cover for the darkest corners of the garden where little else will grow. It prefers loam or clay soil that retains moisture without becoming waterlogged. Before planting, work in plenty of organic matter—leaf mould or well-rotted compost—to improve soil structure and moisture retention, particularly if your soil is heavy clay that tends to bake hard in summer. Plant hazelwort in March, April, September, or October when the soil is workable and temperatures are mild. Autumn planting is often ideal because the cooler, damper conditions help plants establish without stress. Space plants 25 cm apart to allow for their eventual spread of 20–40 cm; they will knit together over time to form a dense, evergreen carpet. Dig a planting hole slightly larger than the root ball and set each plant at the same depth it was growing in its pot—hazelwort has shallow, creeping rhizomes that should sit just below the soil surface. Firm the soil gently around the roots to eliminate air pockets, then water thoroughly to settle the plants in. After planting, apply a 3–5 cm layer of leaf mould or composted bark as mulch. This conserves moisture, suppresses weeds, and mimics the woodland floor conditions hazelwort enjoys in the wild. Keep the soil consistently moist for the first growing season while the plants establish their root systems. Hazelwort is slow to spread initially but will reward patience with glossy, kidney-shaped foliage that remains attractive year-round.