Glechoma hederacea (Ground ivy) 9 cm Pot

Growth habit & appearance: Glechoma hederacea forms a creeping, evergreen carpet of rounded, scallop-edged leaves carried on trailing stems that root wherever they touch the soil. The foliage has a distinct, resinous-minty aroma when crushed. In spring, short upright shoots bear small violet-blue tubular flowers that attract early pollinators and add strong seasonal colour despite the plant’s diminutive height.

Growing conditions: A fully hardy perennial, thriving in part shade where soils stay cool and retain moisture without becoming waterlogged. It tolerates a wide range of Irish soils, from clay-loam to lighter ground, and readily naturalises beneath hedgerows, along damp woodland edges, and in lightly shaded lawns. 

Traditional & herbal uses: Commonly associated with upper-respiratory congestion, and old records link the plant with sinus-related discomfort and ear pressure. Additional uses afor sluggish digestion and general gastrointestinal unsettledness. Its aromatic profile contributed to its use as a household herb in various rural traditions.

Maintenance & harvesting: Once planted, expect rapid lateral spread via rooting nodes; dig back the edges periodically to keep it contained. Remove competing weeds early, as the plant depends on undisturbed creeping stems. Aerial parts are typically gathered before or during flowering when the aroma is strongest. If unwanted expansion occurs, lift and discard long runners or install a shallow root barrier. The plant remains semi-evergreen through Irish winters, requiring no winter protection beyond basic tidiness.