Ground Ivy Glechoma Hederacea is an aromatic, creeping, evergreen, perennial flowering plant native to Europe and Southern Asia. For the fast germination Ground Ivy seeds have to be cold treated for two weeks prior 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 medicinal and culinary herb for centuries, so the fresh or dried leaves can be used for making an herbal tea which is rich in vitamin C, and when added as a fresh salad green, the fresh Glechoma leaves have mildly peppery flavor. Glechoma Hederacea seeds germinate in 10-14 weeks if the cold treatment is applied prior 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.
PLANT PROFILE
Season: Perennial
Height: 8 Inches
Bloom Season: Spring/Summer/Fall
Environment: Sun/Partial Shade
Soil Type: Rich/Average/Moist well-drained, pH 5.5-7.5
USDA Zones: 3-10
PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS
Sow Indoors: Winter/Spring (4-6 weeks before last frost)
Sow Outdoors: Spring/Fall
Seed Depth: Surface sowing - press seeds slightly into the soil
Germination Time: 10-14 Days
