How to Grow Ground Ivy
Wikimedia Commons
Ground Ivy
Glechoma hederacea
herbGround ivy is a creeping perennial herb with small, round, scalloped leaves and delicate purple-blue or pink flowers. It spreads rapidly via runners and is commonly used as a groundcover, though it can become invasive in some regions. Historically valued for medicinal purposes and beer-making, it has a distinctive minty, pungent aroma.
When should you plant Ground Ivy in your zone?
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Example Ground Ivy timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Ground Ivy
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 Ground Ivy
Around May 17≈ 30 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Ground Ivy dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9; highly cold-hardy and adaptable across temperate regions
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Get my Ground Ivy timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny paired leaves emerge from soil; very delicate appearance with minimal root development
Keep soil consistently moist; provide indirect light; avoid transplanting until 4-6 true leaves develop
Vegetative Growth
3-6 weeksEstablished runner formation begins; round, toothed leaves become more prominent; stem elongates horizontally
Allow runners to spread or trim to control; thin crowded growth; fertilize lightly with balanced fertilizer every 4 weeks
Flowering
4-8 weeks (spring through early summer)Small, delicate flowers (blue, purple, or pink) bloom along stems; tiny tubular blooms in clusters; bees actively visiting
Maintain consistent moisture; deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming; do not prune heavily
Seed Development
3-4 weeksFlowers fade and form small seed capsules; foliage continues spreading; plant vigor may slow slightly
Allow some flowers to remain for seed production if desired; collect seed heads when brown and dry before dispersal
Dormancy
3-4 monthsIn fall/winter, foliage yellows and dies back; roots and basal growth remain viable; runners can overwinter in mild zones
Reduce watering; no fertilizer needed; cut back dead stems if desired; mulch lightly in colder zones for protection
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil or insecticidal soap in severe cases; improve air circulation
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and
Handpick; use beer traps; copper tape barriers; encourage natural predators like ground beetles
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Improve air circulation; apply sulfur dust or baking soda spray; remove affected leaves; reduce overhead watering
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Remove infected foliage; apply fungicide (copper-based); avoid wetting foliage; thin for better air flow
Uses
Herbal tea & respiratory support
MedicinalTraditionally used in herbal teas to support respiratory health and as a mild diuretic. Contains pulegone and limonene, compounds historically studied for respiratory properties. [source]
Historical bittering agent
CulinaryUsed in medieval and Tudor England as a primary bittering and clarifying agent for beer before hops became standard. Imparts a distinctive herbal, slightly pungent flavor. [source]
Natural groundcover & erosion control
HouseholdExcellent for covering bare soil, preventing erosion on slopes, and suppressing weeds in shady areas. Forms a living mulch that reduces maintenance. [source]
Dye plant & natural colorant
CraftFoliage yields greenish or yellowish dyes when processed with mordants. Historically used in textile dyeing for natural color variations. [source]
Pollinator & habitat plant
WildlifeSmall flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators early in spring. Provides ground-level shelter and nesting habitat for beneficial insects. [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 and stems throughout growing season by pinching or cutting above leaf nodes; best harvested in morning after dew dries. For medicinal use, harvest during active growth (spring-summer) and dry immediately. Avoid harvesting in late fall when plant is entering dormancy. Can be cut back to 1-2 inches above soil for rejuvenation.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Ground ivy was so important to medieval brewers that it was called 'alehoof' and was valued more highly than hops for centuries; it became obsolete when hops proved more efficient and flavorful.
- 🌱 The plant contains pulegone, the same compound found in pennyroyal, which can be toxic in large quantities; historical overuse as a medicinal herb led to poisoning cases, making modern use cautious.
- 🌱 Glechoma is considered invasive in many regions because it spreads so aggressively via runners and seeds that it can outcompete native plants; some municipalities restrict or prohibit its cultivation.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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