Heide Günsel, or Geneva Günsel, is an easy-care ground cover that tolerates a lot of drought. The perennial thrives particularly well in the rock garden.
The Günsel belongs to the mint family and is widespread in Europe. The Heide Günsel (Ajuga genevensis) is also known as Geneva Günsel and catches the eye with its deep blue flower colour. The perennial perennials are particularly suitable for planting in the rock garden. The ground cover looks similar to the creeping bugle and can be used for ground greening.
Origin and Distribution
Heath Günsel was first mentioned in writing in the Species Plantarum written by Carl von Linné in 1753. The term "genevensis" can be traced back to Johann Bauhin. He had already discovered the plant 100 years earlier in the Geneva area and described it in more detail.
Heath Günsel occurs more frequently in Central and Eastern Europe. The plant can also be found occasionally in Turkey and in the Caucasus region. The Geneva bugle is found on dry grassland and can also be found at the edges of forests under favorable site conditions.
Plant heather Günsel
➔ Find the right location
Heath Günsel prefers a partially shaded location. You can use the ground cover for underplanting trees and shrubs. The light conditions influence the color of the leaves.
» Tip: If the soil is kept sufficiently moist, the Geneva Günsel also tolerates a sunny location.
The Geneva Bugle can be combined with the Creeping Bugle or other members of the plant family. Heide Günsel can also be staged to advantage in the company of astilbe or globeflower. In spring, snowdrops or spring snowflakes can provide harmonious accents.
➔ Choosing the ideal substrate
Heath Günsel thrives in normal garden soil. A slightly acidic substrate is preferred. The nutrient content of the soil can be improved by adding mature compost or horn meal. The soil must not be too dry.
➔ Planting Heide Günsel - step by step
- Select Location
- Prepare the ground
- Note planting distances
- Dig planting holes
- Place Plants
- Fill substrate
- Press the earth well
- Water the plants
Care for Heath Günsel
➔ Water Heide Günsel correctly
The soil shouldn't be too moist, but it shouldn't dry out completely either. In the case of prolonged drought in midsummer, watering is carried out regularly. Otherwise, the plant usually copes with the natural amounts of rain and does not have to be watered additionally. In a sunny location, however, the Geneva Günsel needs more water.
➔ Fertilize Heide Günsel correctly
The Geneva Günsel does not need to be fertilized regularly. A nutrient-poor soil can already be prepared during planting. Mixing in compost or horn shavings provides a nutrient-rich long-term fertilizer. Further fertilization is not necessary in the first year. In the following spring, compost can be used as fertilizer again.
➔ pruning Heide Günsel
The plant does not require regular pruning. However, it may become necessary to prevent the fast-growing Geneva bugle from spreading. Depending on the location, the ground cover can be mowed regularly or you can stem the growth of plants by using the lawn trimmer.
The root shoots can be permanently removed by cutting off or tearing out. Creating a root barrier will not achieve the desired effect, as these are above-ground runners.
» Tip: If the heather Günsel is pruned or removed after flowering and before fruiting, it cannot multiply again by self-seeding.
Increase Heide Günsel
The Geneva Günsel takes care of its own propagation via seeds and runners. If you want to multiply the plant in a targeted manner, you can do this in spring by dividing it. For this, the plant is completely dug up. The root ball is divided with garden shears or a spade and the new plants obtained in this way can be planted immediately and cultivated as usual.
» Tip: Propagation by division also serves to rejuvenate the plant.
Diseases and pests on Heide Günsel
The tough onesPlant is rarely affected by pests and diseases. If the location is too shady and the soil too moist, powdery mildew can occur. Although this can annoy the hobby gardener, it is only an optical problem for the plant. The whitish coating on the leaves can be removed with tried-and-tested household remedies, such as a solution of milk and water.
Heath Günsel wintering
The plants have been native to our latitudes for centuries and are hardy. Additional protection during the cold season is not necessary. In order to adequately protect the plant from frost, the leaves removed in autumn can be left on the ground.