Also known as Alehoof · Cat's Charm · Cat's Chime
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Ground-ivy (Glechoma hederacea) is a low-growing, creeping perennial herb with kidney-shaped leaves and small, lavender flowers, often considered a weed.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Partial Shade to Full Sun
50% intensity
Thrives in partial shade but can tolerate full sun if kept adequately watered. Avoid intense, direct afternoon sun in hot climates.
Moderate
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Allow top layer to dry slightly between waterings.
Loam, Clay, Sand
50% intensity
Hardy
50% intensity
Prefers average room temperatures (18-24°C) during the day and slightly cooler at night. Tolerates a wide range and is cold-hardy.
Low
25% intensity
Requires minimal feeding. A light feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer in spring and summer is usually sufficient.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 1/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 2/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Low
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water ground-ivy regularly, especially during dry periods, to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top 2-3 cm of soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Reduce watering frequency during winter when the plant's growth slows down.
Prune ground-ivy to control its spread and maintain a desired shape. Pinch back leggy stems to encourage bushier growth. Remove any dead or damaged foliage to improve air circulation and overall plant health.
Regular pruning helps prevent it from becoming too invasive.
Ground-ivy is easily propagated from stem cuttings. Take 5-10 cm cuttings from healthy stems and plant them in moist soil or water. They will typically root within a few weeks.
This can be done at any time during the growing season.
Repotting is rarely necessary for ground-ivy as it is often grown as a ground cover or in hanging baskets where it can spread. If it outgrows its container or becomes root-bound, repot in spring to a slightly larger pot with fresh potting mix.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Ground-Ivy (Glechoma hederacea)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Glechoma |
| Species | Glechoma hederacea |
Similar in genus Glechoma
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
