The Creeping Günsel is actually a wonderful, ground-covering plant for planting under trees, along hedges and path edges or for planting and quickly greening larger areas. However, the fast-growing Günsel also spreads very quickly - and once it has established itself in one location, it is difficult to get rid of it again. For this reason, you should counteract the spread in advance.
How can you effectively combat creeping gunsel?
To combat creeping Günsel, you should create bed borders, remove runners regularly, cut back dead material and dig up rooted Günsel including the roots. This will prevent the plant from spreading uncontrollably.
Prevention is better than fighting
The creeping gunsel is considered to be very assertive, as the plant quickly pushes out all weeds and therefore makes the garden look more well-kept. However, that doesn't mean you can avoid regular weeding. Instead of various weeds, you now have to stop the Günsel, which is spreading very quickly. The plant reproduces primarily through above-ground root runners that take root in any free spot of soil.
Remove Günsel in a timely manner
To prevent your garden from being overgrown by Günsel one day, you should remove the runners in a timely manner - that is, if possible before they take root - and regularly. There are various methods available to you.
Edge the bed
One of the most effective ways to prevent this is a suitable border, which must, however, be above ground. So-called root barriers are unfortunately pointless with Günsel, as the runners are not formed underground, but above ground.
Pull out/cut away cheeky runners
You can also check your Günsel cushion regularly and simply cut away any cheeky runners with sharp scissors. Regular mowing - for example with a grass trimmer - also helps to keep the creeping Günsel within its limits.
Cut back faded flowers
However, the creeping gunsel reproduces not only via root runners, but also through seeds. These can be carried to distant locations by birds or voles - in this way the Günsel then appears in completely unexpected corners of the garden. You should therefore prevent this self-sowing by preventing fruit and seed formation by pruning in good time after flowering.
Always remove Günsel along with the roots
If you want to remove rooted Günsel, you always have to remove the roots - especially the main root! - Dig it out as well, otherwise the plants will sprout again within a short time from the remaining root remnants. Simply pulling them out while leaving a large part of the roots in the ground is not enough. It is best to dig up the entire plant including the roots using a digging fork.
Tip
You don't need to throw away cut-back Günsel, because the plant can be used as a medicinal plant, especially against digestive problems. The herb is also edible.
