Glechoma hederacea Dappled Light - Ground Ivy

The Glechoma hederacea 'Dappled Light', also known as Ground Ivy is a hardy perennial ground cover that spreads by means of runners, eventually covering large areas. It is mainly grown for its magnificent semi-evergreen and aromatic foliage, which is particularly bright. This variety has dappled leaves, combining silver-green, cream, grey, and blue-green. Its small blue flowers resembling rosemary bloom in spring. It is an easy-to-grow plant, both useful as a ground cover and decorative in pots and hanging baskets. It thrives in shade, partial shade, or full sun, in a moist and fertile soil.

Glechoma hederacea is a perennial plant in the mint family, closely related to mint and thyme. Its natural habitat includes meadows, roadside edges, uncultivated land, and deciduous woods. The 'Dappled Light' cultivar is a curiously coloured foliage version of the plant. It is a creeping perennial, reaching only 15 cm (5.9 in) in height and capable of covering 2m² on its own. During the months of March to April, elongated pollen-laden, light blue-violet flowers with violet-bordered lips, bloom among the foliage. They are grouped in pairs, threes, or fours in the axils of the leaves, and borne on upright stems ranging from 5 to 30 cm (2 - 11.8 in) in height. The corolla is bilabiate, 1 to 2 cm (0.4 - 0.8 in) long, consisting of an upright upper lip, divided into two lobes, and a wider lower lip with 3 lobes. They are spotted with purple on the upper lip. These flowers exude a sweet fragrance that attracts pollinating insects. The entire plant is aromatic and emits the fragrance of a soothing balm when crushed. The heart-shaped leaves, more or less evergreen, are hairy, with round-toothed margins. Their unique colour is the main interest of this variety. Mature leaves are mainly medium green, criss-crossed by a network of very pale green veins. When the plant is exposed to sunlight, the stalks take on a pretty pinkish-purple hue, which contrasts nicely with the variegation of the foliage.

Easy to grow and very hardy, ground ivy appreciates an ordinary, light, moist, humus-rich, and damp soil. Its main requirement is a moist soil as it thrives in all situations, both sunny and shaded. Growing rapidly, it can be used in flower beds as a ground cover, in deciduous woodlands, as well as in flower pots and hanging baskets for a superb cascading effect. This plant combines well with hostas, bearded irises, comfreys or hyacinths.

Once associated with white magic, ground ivy used to be used in salads and beer. It is attributed with multiple medicinal effects, including astringent, expectorant, and tonic properties. It has a relatively high content of vitamin C.

Note: Please be aware that our young plug plants are professional products best suited for experienced gardeners: upon receipt, transplant and store them under cover (conservatory, greenhouse, cold frame...) at a temperature above 14°C/57.2°F for a few weeks before being planted outside once the risk of frost has passed.