Growing ivy: what you need to know

Until the 16th century, before the hop became the key ingredient in brewing, ground ivy was an ingredient in beer. It was also used to make agil herbal tea, which gets its name from the Old French Guille "to ferment", also in reference to brewing. Here's what you need to know about this plant that so beautifully decorates your garden.

• Ground ivy is primarily an anti-catarrhale herb used in chronic bronchial infection, bronchitis and mucus congestion, such as sinusitis. The extracted oil is volatile, and contains pulegone, which is the main component of pennyroyal.
• Pulegone is believed to be not only a uterine stimulant, but also toxic to the liver. Although it is found in lower concentrations in ground ivy, it should still be used with care for medicinal purposes.
• For proper use, consult your doctor or herbalist. Do not take ground ivy if you are pregnant, if you aim to fall pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding.

• Ground ivy is a robust, deciduous perennial, with vine-like stems that latch into cracks or climb hedgerows. The leaves are reniform and crenate, with a minty aroma.
• In spring and early summer, blue-purple tubular flowers appear on its shoots.
• Ground ivy can spread like weeds under trees and shrubs.

• Ground ivy with white variegation ( 'Variegata') is sold as a summer creeper for planters or containers.
• Commercially, it is usually known as Nepeta and likes pots lining windows, or hanging baskets in the shade.

It prefers well-drained, humid soil, in the sun or shade.

• It is easily spread by stolons that can take root at any time during the growth period.
• The various species can also be grown from seed.
• Large clumps can be divided in spring time.
• Variegated ivy does not have identical offspring; it tends to produce plants with uniformly green leaves.

Ground ivy can be invasive. Its spread must be controlled.

You can harvest the plants when they begin to flower and dry them on trays in a warm, dark place.