Korean ginseng Panax ginseng
Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng) is a deciduous perennial herb in the Araliaceae family, native to Korea, north-east China and the Russian Far East (very rare in the wild). It grows 30–60 cm (12–24 in) tall and 20–30 cm (8–12 in) wide, wants shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -30 °C (-22 °F). Space plants about 20 cm (8 in) apart.
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Korean ginseng at a glance
| Type | Perennial herb, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Araliaceae |
| Mature height | 30–60 cm (12–24 in) |
| Mature spread | 20–30 cm (8–12 in) |
| Spacing | 20 cm (8 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Shade, at least 1 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance none, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5–6.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -30 °C (-22 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 30 °C (86 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 2–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | None |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Yes: root (after 4–6 years) |
| Native to | Korea, north-east China and the Russian Far East (very rare in the wild) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇰🇷 South Korea, 🇨🇳 China, 🇷🇺 Russia |
Is Korean ginseng toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: root
Can interact with blood thinners and other medicines; not for pets.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Korean ginseng
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like shade and moderate water.
Questions about Korean ginseng
- How far apart should I plant Korean ginseng?
- About 20 cm (8 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 20–30 cm (8–12 in).
- Does Korean ginseng need full sun?
- Shade: at least 1 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Korean ginseng need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is none and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Korean ginseng?
- It tolerates about -30 °C (-22 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Korean ginseng flower?
- From about May for 2–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Korean ginseng poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Can interact with blood thinners and other medicines; not for pets.
- What grows well with Korean ginseng?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Korean ginseng. Group it with plants that like the same sun (shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Korea National Arboretum: Korean plant names and distribution, Korea Forest Service
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Notes and assumptions
- Needs about 70–90% shade (traditional straw shade frames) and cool, well-drained forest soil. Health claims are not established.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Common ivy Hedera helix
- Mountain cabbage tree Cussonia paniculata
- Fatsia (Japanese aralia, yatsude) Fatsia japonica
- Rice-paper plant (tsūdatsu) Tetrapanax papyrifer
- Ming aralia Polyscias fruticosa
- Dwarf umbrella tree (schefflera) Heptapleurum arboricola
- Basil Ocimum basilicum
- Rosemary Salvia rosmarinus