Planting Methods and Key Technical Points for Ground Ivy

Ground ivy, whose correct name is Glechoma hederacea (Latin scientific name: Glechoma hederacea), is a herbaceous plant in the Lamiaceae family, genus Glechoma. It has creeping stems that ascend and root at each node. The stems are 10-17 cm tall, four-angled, usually purplish-red at the base, and nearly hairless except for appressed stiff hairs at the nodes. This species grows rapidly, stays green all year round, and is easy to cultivate. It often spreads into large patches and is an excellent groundcover and ornamental lawn plant.

Planting Ground Ivy

(1) Light: It prefers a semi-shaded environment and is afraid of direct strong light. During summer, when temperatures are high and light is intense, shading should be provided, blocking out 30%?40% of the light.

(2) Temperature: It prefers warmth, and the most suitable temperature for growth is 15?28°C. It is relatively cold-hardy and can tolerate low temperatures of -KTC in winter. When grown in the open ground, the leaves turn slightly red after frost in early winter. If the aboveground parts die back in winter due to low temperatures, they will sprout branches and leaves again and resume growth when the weather warms up the following spring. If moved indoors before winter sets in, it can remain evergreen throughout the year.

(3) Watering: It prefers a moist soil environment and is not tolerant of drought. During the growing period, it should be watered thoroughly to keep the potting soil moist; do not wait until the potting soil is completely dry before watering. When the potting soil is too dry, the stems and leaves tend to wilt and wither. In winter, watering should be reduced, keeping the soil only slightly moist.

(4) Environmental humidity: It prefers a humid environment. During growth, water should be sprayed frequently on the branches, leaves and surroundings to raise the relative air humidity. However, do not spray water on the leaves when temperatures are high, otherwise scorch marks are likely to appear on the leaf surface.

(5) Fertilizing: During the growing season, fertilize once every half month, paying attention to the balance of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. To prevent the vines from growing too long, the application of nitrogen fertilizer should be controlled. Stop topdressing fertilizer in winter.

(6) Pruning: In spring, prune the plant once when repotting, cutting off aged vines and shortening overly long branches.

(7) Potting and repotting: For planting, choose flower pots with a diameter of 15~20 cm, planting 5?7 seedlings per pot. It prefers fertile, loose, well-drained sandy loam soil. The growing medium can be prepared from materials such as leaf mold, garden soil and rice husk ash or coarse sand. For potted plants, repotting should be done every spring when the roots have filled the pot.

(8) Pest and disease control: Downy mildew is prone to occur during the plum rain season. Other pests such as red spider mites, thrips, whiteflies and slugs may also cause damage.