As the beautiful days arrive, do you want to give your garden a fresh look while limiting weeds and retaining soil moisture? Ground ivy might just be the perfect solution, and April is the ideal time to install it in your garden. Let’s explore how this plant, with its numerous benefits, can quickly transform your green spaces.

Discover ground ivy: presentation of an astonishing plant

Don’t be deceived by its name: ground ivy is not related to climbing ivy. Also known as glechoma, it belongs to the Lamiaceae family and is characterized by its small, round leaves with serrated edges and its subtle violet blooms in spring.

Relatively low-growing, this plant reaches a maximum height of 5 to 15 centimeters. Its vigorous growth allows it to quickly cover the ground with creeping stems that root upon contact with the soil. A single plant planted in April can easily cover up to 1 square meter in its first season, creating a thick and uniform carpet.

Here are some key botanical characteristics:

  • Botanical family: Lamiaceae
  • Average height: 5 to 15 cm
  • Flowering: small violet flowers from April to June
  • Preferred exposure: half-shade to shade
  • Hardiness: can easily withstand temperatures down to -20°C

A small bonus: when you crush its leaves, you’ll enjoy a fresh, slightly mentholated scent that is very pleasant.

Why is April perfect for planting ground ivy?

You may be wondering why to choose April specifically. Simply put, this month brings together all the optimal conditions necessary for the healthy development of this plant:

  • Gentle temperatures without severe frosts
  • Sufficiently moist soil from spring rains
  • Slowly warming soil, perfectly stimulating root growth

By installing in April, ground ivy will have ample time to establish itself before the summer heat arrives. Its root system can fully develop, increasing its resilience during dry periods.

What are the real benefits of ground ivy as ground cover?

An excellent solution against weeds

The main advantage: by forming a dense vegetation carpet, ground ivy effectively prevents weeds from growing.

Its thick foliage limits light at the soil level, and its shallow roots occupy the top few centimeters of the ground, thus preventing weed seeds from germinating. What gardener wouldn’t dream of simplifying the constant battle against weeds?

Naturally maintain moisture

Ground ivy acts just like a natural plant mulch. It significantly reduces evaporation and thus keeps your soil moist for longer.

In practical terms, this means less watering, reduced water consumption, and more freedom for you during the summer months.

A natural barrier against erosion and a rich soil

Thanks to its dense mat, ground ivy protects the soil from erosion during heavy rains. It keeps the ground loose, preventing excessive soil compaction.

As its leaves die and decompose, they also enhance the organic matter in the soil and stimulate beneficial microbial life.

Easily plant and cultivate your ground ivy

Choosing the ideal location

Choose a semi-shaded to shaded location, ideally under trees, near walls, or in flowerbeds that are not too exposed to sunlight:

  • Wooded areas and light forests
  • Difficult-to-reach areas such as slopes or borders
  • Base of trees and shaded areas by walls or hedges

Practical tips for planting

Follow these simple steps for successful planting:

  1. Carefully weed the chosen area and lightly loosen the soil.
  2. Add a bit of compost if your soil is poor.
  3. Space your plants 30 to 40 cm apart.
  4. Water generously after planting.
  5. Lightly mulch to limit competition from weeds in the first few weeks.

Ground ivy established by cuttings from existing plants roots particularly quickly. It’s clearly the winning option for swift coverage.

Smartly associating ground ivy with other vegetation

Ground ivy harmoniously associates with certain plants to create complementary vegetated spaces. For example:

  • As ground cover under shrubs like hydrangeas or rhododendrons.
  • At the base of small trees such as Japanese maples.
  • Combined with spring-flowering perennials like hellebores or daffodil bulbs that will easily come through its foliage.

Some necessary precautions for proper management of ground ivy

This plant, with its vigorous growth, could become invasive in some situations. Anticipate this risk by installing limiting borders and periodically controlling its spread. Also, avoid planting near lawns to prevent any unintentional spreading.

For regions where this species is considered invasive, consult with a local gardening center before planting.

Have you ever tried ground ivy in your garden? What are your thoughts? Share your feedback with us in the comments below! You might know of other effective ground covers that you would recommend? We eagerly await your testimonials and practical advice!