Ground ivy: the worst garden weed that spreads underground

PRISHTINA, April 26, 2026 — With the return of warmth, gardeners in Kosovo are facing an old but often underestimated enemy: ground ivy, which according to Telegrafi is turning this spring into a real challenge for backyard orchards and flower beds.

Unlike ordinary grass, ground ivy does not spread only on the surface. It develops a dense network of underground roots that can move from one corner of the garden to another unnoticed. Within a few weeks, it can close around the roots of new flowers and vegetables, cutting off their nutrients.

Why it is so dangerous

Telegrafi reports that ground ivy resists even mechanical removal, as a small piece of root left in the soil is enough for the plant to grow back. This is why many gardeners fight it year after year without lasting results.

According to Telegrafi, “ground ivy spreads underground and takes over everything,” so eliminating it requires combined approaches and long-term patience.

Specialists recommend a multi-step strategy: frequent cutting of the above-ground part to weaken the plant, covering affected areas with cardboard or black fabric for several months, and renewing the soil with quality compost. Herbicides should be a last resort, especially in gardens where vegetables are grown for the family.

In the villages of Dukagjini, where families have large yards with fruit trees and gardens, older gardeners know the plant by local names and fight it with traditional methods, such as spreading ash or lime around tree trunks.

According to the report, ground ivy is not just a pretty creeping plant on walls: it is a powerful competitor that, left unchecked, can crowd out decorative flora in a garden within three or four seasons.

The specialists’ message is clear—early intervention is the only successful way.

Source: Telegrafi