Ground Ivy Glechoma Hederacea is an aromatic, creeping, evergreen, a perennial flowering plant native to Europe and Southern Asia. For fast germination, Ground Ivy seeds have to be cold-treated for two weeks prior to sowing. Also commonly called Gill-Over-The-Ground, Creeping Charlie, Alehoof, Tunhoof, Catsfoot, Field Balm, Hedgemaids, and Run-Away-Robin, Glechoma hederacea grows low to the ground and spreads very fast forming a very dense mat of mint scented especially when crashed or mowed, dark-green foliage and blooming with 2-3 flowers clusters of funnel-shaped, blue or bluish-violet to lavender flowers. The mint-scented flowers of Ground Ivy attract bees and other pollinators.
Ground Ivy is an attractive garden plant and aggressive creeper which is often grown as a ground cover that can be mowed for the best appearance. Because of its cascading habit, Creeping Charlie looks fabulous growing in hanging baskets, containers, and pots. Glechoma hederacea has been used as a medicinal and culinary herb for centuries, so the fresh or dried leaves can be used for making an herbal tea that is rich in vitamin C, and when added as a fresh salad green, the fresh Glechoma leaves have a mildly peppery flavor. Glechoma hederacea seeds germinate in 10-14 weeks if the cold treatment is applied prior to planting the seeds, and the established Alehoof thrives in shaded areas with fertile moist soil, but the plant also tolerates different types of soil and sun very well. Ground Ivy is drought tolerant.
Groundcover Specifications
- Season: Perennial
- USDA Zones: 3 - 10
- Height: 8 inches
- Width: 20 inches
- Bloom Season: April - June, again in fall
- Bloom Color: Purple
- Growth Rate: Fast
- Environment: Full sun to partial shade
- Foot Traffic: High
- Deer Resistant: Yes
Planting Directions
- Temperature: 70F
- Average Germ Time: 10 days, after 2-week cold treatment
- Light Required: Yes
- Depth: Sow seed on a surface or barely cover with soil
- Soil Type: Moist, acidic soils
- Sowing Rate: 2 - 3 seeds per plant
- Moisture: Keep seeds moist until germination
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