Glechoma hederacea
Gundermann
Common names: Gundelrebe, Erdefeu, Donnerrebe
Photo: Ivar Leidus · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source
This description was machine-translated.
Description
Glechoma hederacea, commonly known as Gundermann, is a low, creeping perennial herb in the mint family that forms dense mats with long runners. From April to June (weeks 14 to 25) it produces small blue‑violet, bilabiate flowers that attract bees and bumblebees. The rounded, scalloped leaves emit a spicy aroma and were historically used as a wild vegetable and tea. While it is considered edible in small kitchen quantities, it is toxic to horses and other grazing animals, so it should be kept away from pastures and animal feed. It thrives best in semi‑shaded to shaded sites with loose, moist soil and spreads rapidly, requiring clear boundaries in a garden bed. Care instructions: Gundermann needs little attention. A semi‑shaded to shaded spot with loose, moist soil is sufficient. Water only during prolonged dry periods; it dislikes waterlogged spots. Because it spreads via runners, prune regularly or install a root barrier to keep it contained. In spring you can harvest from mid‑April (week 16) into summer; the leaves become more bitter later. As a ground cover under shrubs or in wild garden corners it performs well without fertilizer.
Care instructions
Gundermann needs little attention. A semi‑shaded to shaded spot with loose, moist soil is sufficient. Water only during prolonged dry periods; it dislikes waterlogged spots. Because it spreads via runners, prune regularly or install a root barrier to keep it contained. In spring you can harvest from mid‑April (week 16) into summer; the leaves become more bitter later. As a ground cover under shrubs or in wild garden corners it performs well without fertilizer.
Soil & site
Soil pH
Soil type
moist, humus-rich, nutrient-rich, loamy
Feeding
Light feeder
Companion planting
Good neighbors
nightshade family (Solanaceae)
particularly well establishedYou will find that basil next to tomato and pepper improves taste and keeps whiteflies and aphids away.
For example PotatoTomatoSweet pepperCocktail tomatoEggplantCape gooseberry and 9 more species in the catalogue
Source: classic companion planting (DACH-Gartenpraxis)
cabbage family (Brassicaceae)
You will notice that the intense scent of basil, thyme, and others confuses the cabbage whitefly and keeps it away from the cabbage family.
For example White cabbageKohlrabiRadishKalebroccolicauliflower and 34 more species in the catalogue
Source: bio-gardening intercropping practice
Companion planting is partly traditional gardening lore. Where the reason is known, it is given.
Some of these explanations were machine-translated.
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