How to Grow and Care for Ground ivy

Ground ivy, also known as Creeping charlie, Alehoof, Gill-over-the-ground, Run-away-robin, Field balm

Ground ivy is a hardy perennial with a propensity to spread quickly, which can make it both easy to care for and potentially invasive. It thrives in a variety of soils, requiring minimal care, but performs best in moist, well-drained ground with partial to full shade. Special care points include regular monitoring and control to prevent overgrowth that could encroach on other plants, and ensuring it does not dry out completely.

Watering schedule: Every week

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun

Toxic to Humans

In This Article

Planting and Growing Ground ivy

Toughness	High
Care Level	Medium
Care Difficulty	Easy
Lifespan	Perennial
Watering Schedule	Every week
Sunlight Requirements	Full sun
Soil pH	6-7.5
Planting Time	Spring
Hardiness Zones	6-10
Toxicity	Toxic to Humans

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Varieties of Ground ivy

Ground ivy 'Variegata'

An eager spreader, the ground ivy 'Variegata' is a dense creeping ivy cultivar. It is named after its variegated leaves. Gardeners looking for a lawn substitute can use the ground ivy 'Variegata' as a ground cover, especially in woodlands where it will spread quickly and form dense mats. The ground ivy 'Variegata' can also be used as a container plant or to attract birds as food or nesting material.

Common Pests & Diseases

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The Toxicity of Ground ivy

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More General Info About Ground ivy

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Quickly Identify Ground ivy

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Ground ivy presents itself as a low-lying evergreen herb, with a strong aroma and notable creeping habit. The plant sports a dense carpet of rounded, kidney-shaped leaves, with scalloped edges, each on long petioles, typically measuring up to 1 foot (30 cm) in width. Its square stems root at the nodes, enabling its sprawl across the ground. During early spring and summer, ground ivy sends up short upright spikes that bear small, purple-blue flowers, further distinguishing itself by adding a splash of color to its green mat.