About
Glechoma hederacea, ground ivy, is a vigorous, spreading, mat-forming, evergreen perennial creeping by prostrate stolons. Flowering stems are sub-erect to 10 cm. Flowers are commonly violet-blue, but pink and white forms also occur. A useful and ornamental ground-cover for shaded positions, and an important early pollen plant for bumblebees.
About the genus
Glechoma are perennial herbs with long, trailing stolons, roundish, crenate-serrate, opposite leaves and small, labiate, usually violet-blue flowers in whorls in the leaf axils. Native to Europe and temperate Asia, they are grown as ornamental ground-cover plants.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitMatforming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesWildlife gardens
Native toEurasia
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Tolerates a range of soils and positions
PruningPrune as required to keep under control
PropagationPropagate by division in spring or autumn, or by softwood cuttings in late spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and snails
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free