Glechoma hederacea
ground ivy
A vigorous spreading, mat-forming evergreen perennial, creeping by prostrate stolons. Flowering stems sub-erect, to 10cm. Flowers are commonly violet-blue, but pink and white forms also occur
Other common names
ale gillalehoof
see moreblue runner
candlesticks
cat's foot
cat's paws
creeping Charlie
creeping Jenny
crow victuals
crow's guts
devil's candlestick
field balm
field balsam
Gill
Gill-go-by-the-street
Gill-over-the-ground
Gill-run-over
hay maids
hayfoot
hayhoof
hedge maids
hen and chickens
hove
Jill-on-the-ground
purple chickweed
Robin-run-away
Robin-run-in-the-hedge
runaway Robin
tunhoof
turnhoof
wandering Jenny
wild snakeroot
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Blue Purple Pink White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Matforming
- Genus
Glechoma are perennial herbs with long, trailing stolons, roundish crenate-serrate opposite leaves, and small labiate flowers in whorls in the leaf axils, usually blue
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Eurasia
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Tolerates a range of soils and positions
Propagation
Propagate by division in spring or autumn, or by softwood cuttings in late spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildlife gardens
- Low Maintenance
- Ground cover
- Banks and slopes
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning
Prune as required to keep under control
Pests
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.