Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) is not a member of the ginseng family, although it shares some of the same properties. Siberian ginseng is most useful as a border or hedge plant. This small, slow-growing deciduous shrub grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 8.
Siberian ginseng is also known by as devil’s shrub, ci wujia, eleuthero root and touch-me-not. It's an erect shrub with prickly stems, and grows to a height of 8 to 15 feet. The dark green leaves contrast with the purple male and yellow female flowers that bloom in early summer and are cross-pollinated mainly by bees. The pollinated flowers then develop into oval, bluish black berrylike fruits about 1/2 inch in diameter.
In its native habitat of China and Russia, Siberian ginseng grows in thickets, small groups or clumps at the edges of forests. Siberian ginseng shrubs work well for the sunny edges of woodland gardens or in areas of dappled shade. Siberian ginseng plants tolerate pollution well, making them useful in urban environments. Parts of the plant, such as the leaves and buds, can be used in cooking and as tea leaves.
Siberian ginseng plants are often propagated from seed, although they can be slow to germinate and require six months of warm stratification followed by three months of cold. Seedlings can be planted 6 inches apart in late spring or early summer in almost any soil, including sand, loam, clay, acid, alkaline and poor soils. Siberian ginseng will grow in part shade to full sun and needs just enough water to keep soil moist. A balanced granular fertilizer, applied approximately 1/2 pound per shrub in early spring, will enhance growth and flowering.
In general, Siberian ginseng is bothered by few diseases or pests. Alternaria leaf spot and fungal root rot may occur if soil becomes too saturated. Rarely, leaf miners may attack ginseng plants. At the first signs of infestations, which can include lesions, leaf spots and blight, remove and destroy foliage of any suspicious plants.
- Plants for a Future: Eleutherococcus Senticosus
- Hort Technology Magazine: Siberian Ginseng
- Invasive Species Compendium: Growth and Seed Production of Eleutherococcus Senticosus (Araliaceae) in the Mari El Republic
- Richters Herbs: Siberian Ginseng Germinated
- Richters Herbs: Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus Senticosus)
- The Appalachian Center of Agroforestry: Adaptogen and Tonic Herbs
- North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service: Ginseng Disease Control -- Phytophthora and Alternaria