Ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea) is a hardy perennial that forms spreading mats of long slender stems clothed with rounded green leaves and small blue flowers in spring. Evergreen or semi-evergreen, its foliage is strongly aromatic when bruised. Ground ivy reaches no more than 10cm in height, but the individual stems can reach up to 75cm in length.
Ground ivy grows extensively in the wild throughout the UK and has many common names, including creeping Charlie, blue runner, hedge maids, and wandering Jenny. The name of creeping Jenny is sometimes used but can cause confusion with Lysimachia nummularia, another plant known by that name. Yet more names for ground ivy include alehoof and alegill, from the time when it was used as a bittering agent in making beer, before the widespread use of hops for beer-brewing.
How to grow ground ivy
Ground ivy suits a range of sites where the soil isn’t too dry, including wild gardens and meadows. Site with care because the stems root as they spread, so it has the potential become invasive amongst other border plants or in lawns.
Where to grow ground ivy
Grow ground ivy in any reasonable soil, ideally one that stays evenly moist, in full sun or partial shade. Avoid planting in hot, sun-baked sites where the foliage is liable to scorch. Plant in hanging baskets, raised beds, and window boxes so the stems trail down, or on sloping banks and pond edges. It also works well in wild gardens and in meadow lawns.
How to plant ground ivy
Ground ivy is hardy and suitable for planting at any time of year when weather and soil conditions permit. In the ground, space plants 30-45cm apart. Plant closer together in containers, spacing several plants at equal distances.
How to care for ground ivy
Once established, ground ivy needs very little care. Trim back anytime during the growing season if stems become long and straggly, or if leaves are looking tatty, to keep plants tidy with plenty of fresh growth. To remove unwanted ground ivy from a lawn, rake vigorously using a spring-tined rake to lift up the long stems and then mow immediately. In a border, hoe out during dry weather.
How to propagate ground ivy
The spreading stems root where they touch the soil, so look for rooted stems to detach from the parent plant to be potted up or transplanted directly.
Pests and diseases of ground ivy
Slugs and snails may eat young growth but the plant is usually sufficiently vigorous to tolerate this. If allowed to dry out, leaves may become brown and scorched. Trim back affected growth and water well.
Advice on buying ground ivy
- Although once widely available, ground ivy has fallen from popularity and is surprisingly hard to find
- Nurseries specialising in herbs or wildflowers are most likely to stock this plant, particularly its variegated form, Glechoma hederacea ‘Variegata’
