The common ground gunder (Glechoma hederacea), also known as gundel vine, is viewed by many gardeners as a weed and is rigorously combated. In fact, it is an ancient medicinal plant that also serves well in the garden - for example as a ground cover.
Why is Gundermann suitable as a ground cover?
Gundermann is a robust ground cover that is ideal for shady garden areas. It forms dense mats, quickly outgrows other plants and produces nectar-rich, purple flowers. As a medicinal and useful plant it can also be used culinary, but care must be taken to ensure its strong growth.
What is the best way to use Gundermann as a ground cover?
Gundermann grows primarily on moist to wet soils in shady locations, which is why it is ideal for use as a ground cover in difficult garden locations - for example in the shade bed or as a shade lawn. In fact, the creeper, which only grows between 15 and 50 centimeters high, is perfect as a lawn replacement in shady areas - you can mow the Gundelmann just like grass, it is very robust, sturdy and keeps sprouting again and again. Over time, dense carpets form, which even produce attractive purple flowers between April and June.
What are the advantages of Gundermann as a ground cover?
Gundermann is perfect for the uncomplicated greening of difficult garden areas and even overgrows shady beds in no time. The native herb is also considered a valuable traditional plant. During its flowering period, Gundermann produces numerous, nectar-rich flowers that are visited primarily by butterflies, such as brimstone butterflies, aurora butterflies and green-veined white butterflies, but also by bees.
Gundermann is also an ancient medicinal plant that was already used by the ancient Romans and Germanic tribes for wounds and skin inflammations as well as against colds and coughs. The young leaves can also be prepared like spinach and taste very aromatic.
What do you have to consider with Gundermann as a ground cover?
Gundermann is so suitable as a ground cover because it produces many runners and so quickly covers larger areas. At the same time, this is also a problem because the herb tends to overgrow and even overgrows low perennials. Plants in no time. Therefore, you should keep the weed under control through regular weeding. Alternatively, growth can also be limited by bordering beds and root barriers. However, this should be done early on, as the herb – once it has spread – is difficult to control.
Is Günsel and Gundermann the same thing?
The creeping gunsel (Ajuga reptans) looks very similar to Gundermann and, like it, can be used as a ground cover. Günsel is also a native wild perennial that provides food for numerous insects and forms flat mats. Günsel grows to a height of around 15 centimeters and produces purple spiked flowers between May and June. The flowers of the Gundermann, on the other hand, resemble small bell flowers, but the herb is a member of the mint family.
Tip
Using Gundermann as a potted plant
Gundermann can not only be used in the garden, but also cultivated in pots. Due to its overhanging growth, the herb is suitable for balcony boxes or hanging baskets. The white variegated variety 'Variegata' is particularly attractive. Make sure you have a nutrient-rich substrate and an adequate water supply. In addition, the plant should not be in direct sunlight.
