Glechoma hederacea ‘Dappled Light’

Glechoma hederacea ‘Dappled Light’, known as variegated ground ivy or creeping Charlie, is a striking colored variation of the fragrant ground cover known as Creeping Charlie.

It is mainly grown for its beautiful semi-evergreen, aromatic foliage, which is particularly bright and decorative. The odor reminds me of a balsamic mixture  – minty balsamic.

The leaves are semi-persistent, softly hairy, heart-shaped leaves with scalloped edges leaves. They are of an exceptionally bright white and lime green, combined with a pinkish stem. The sun brings out the pinkish-violet hues.

Its small blue flowers, reminiscent of rosemary blossoms, appear in the springtime. It is an easy-to-grow plant, just as pleasing as a groundcover as it is in pots and hanging baskets.

It thrives in almost any condition—shade, partial shade, or full sun—provided the soil is fresh and fertile.

👨‍🌾GARDENING TIPS👨‍🌾: 

• • 🆒 It prefers ordinary, light, humus-rich, and moist soil—its main requirement is freshness.
  • ☀️🌤️It thrives in both sunny and shaded locations.
  • 🧺 It looks incredible in a basket, where it’s cascading effect can be on full display.

The Tale:

Glechoma hederacea belongs to the mint family (Lamiaceae), making it a close relative of mints and thymes.

European settlers transported Glechoma hederacae everywhere, as an edible and medicinal plant. It is in fact rich in essential oils, vitamin C, provitamin A, zinc, iron, silicon, molybdenum, and calcium.

However, its rapid growth rate and its rhizomatous root systems meant that it quickly colonized the areas it was was introduced to.

It is still considered invasive in several states in the United States.

Historically associated with white magic, Ground Ivy was once used in salads and beer.

It has long been credited with many medicinal properties, including astringent, expectorant, and tonic effects.

It is also relatively high in vitamin C.