How to Grow Creeping Charlie
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Creeping Charlie
Glechoma hederacea
herbCreeping Charlie is a low-growing, trailing perennial with small, round, scalloped leaves and delicate purple-blue flowers. It spreads rapidly via runners and is commonly used as a ground cover or decorative houseplant. This aromatic herb has a long history of medicinal use, though it should be consumed cautiously.
When should you plant Creeping Charlie in your zone?
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Example Creeping Charlie timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Creeping Charlie
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Creeping Charlie
Around May 17≈ 30 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Creeping Charlie dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9; prefers cooler to moderate climates
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Seedling/Sprouting
2-3 weeksTiny leaves emerge on thin stems; very delicate appearance
Keep soil consistently moist. Provide bright, indirect light. Thin seedlings to prevent crowding.
Vegetative Growth
4-8 weeksRunners develop and spread; dense mat of small, round leaves forms; foliage is mid-green
Pinch back stems to encourage bushiness. Remove dead or damaged growth. Water regularly but allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Flowering
6-10 weeksDelicate tubular flowers in purple, blue, or white appear along stems; typically spring and early summer
Deadhead spent flowers to promote longer blooming and encourage more branching. Provide good air circulation to prevent mildew.
Maturity/Ground Cover
Ongoing; perennialThick, dense mat of interconnected runners; prolific foliage covering ground or container
Trim back overgrown sections to maintain shape and encourage density. Cut back in late fall or early spring to rejuvenate.
Dormancy/Winter
3-4 months (November-March in northern zones)Growth slows significantly; foliage may darken or thin in cold regions; plant may die back to soil line in northern zones
Reduce watering dramatically. Provide mulch protection in zones 3-5. Cut back dead growth in early spring. Indoor plants may remain green.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Improve air circulation; reduce humidity; avoid wetting foliage. Spray with neem oil or sulfur if needed.
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Increase humidity with misting; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
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and
Remove by hand; use beer traps or copper barriers; ensure good drainage to discourage moisture.
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Spray with insecticidal soap; use sticky traps; improve air circulation.
Uses
Herbal infusions and traditional remedies
MedicinalCreeping Charlie has been used in herbal medicine for respiratory support and digestive health. Traditionally brewed as a tea, though consumption should be limited due to pulegone content. [source]
Flavoring and garnish
CulinaryLeaves can be used as a culinary herb in salads, infusions, and as a garnish. Has a slightly minty, bitter flavor that works well in herbal blends. [source]
Natural cleaning agent
HouseholdHistorically used in beer-making as a bittering and clarifying agent before hops became standard. Can be used in natural household cleaning preparations. [source]
Ground cover and ornamental display
CraftPopular for hanging baskets, terrariums, and decorative ground cover in gardens and landscaping. Dense, attractive foliage creates a living carpet effect. [source]
Pollinator support
WildlifePurple-blue flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators during spring and summer blooming. Provides early-season nectar when other plants are scarce. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest leaves anytime during the growing season by pinching or cutting stems just above a leaf node. Best flavor and potency occur before flowering. For drying, cut stems in late morning after dew has dried. Cut back to 2-3 inches above soil for fresh growth. Regular harvesting promotes bushier growth.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Creeping Charlie is considered invasive in some regions due to its aggressive spreading habit; in some areas it's classified as a noxious weed, so check local regulations before planting outdoors.
- 🌱 The plant contains pulegone, a volatile compound also found in pennyroyal, which is why consumption should be moderate and pregnant women should avoid it.
- 🌱 Despite its common name 'Charlie,' this plant has many other folk names including 'alehoof,' 'gill-over-the-ground,' and 'field balm,' reflecting its long history in traditional herbalism and brewing.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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