PL. —Aegopodium podagrariaBotanical illustration — drop image
Aegopodium podagraria

Ground Elder

SpringInvasive
3a9bHardiness zone
Peak bloom windowZone 6b · frost-offset weeks
Winter
Not in bloom
Spring
Peak bloom
Summer
Not in bloom
Fall
Not in bloom
Peak bloom
In bloom
Background

Ground elder is most accurately described as an extremely invasive weed with a variegated ornamental form. The species (Aegopodium podagraria) is a fast-spreading ground cover that colonises borders and is very difficult to eradicate once established. The variegated cultivar 'Variegatum' is more restrained and attractive but still vigorous.

The flat-topped white umbel flowers are similar to elderflower and can be used as cut material. I would advise against growing this anywhere, as once it has jumped into a bed it is nearly impossible to eradicate without much effort, pain and heartbreak. You may even have to move.

Care guide
SunShade to partial shade
WaterLow; drought tolerant once established
SoilAny; spreads in almost all conditions
SpacingDo not plant in open garden — extremely invasive
Height12–18 inches
Zone3a – 9b
Frost hardyInvasive
Seasonal tasks
spring
watchOnly plant in containers or with deep root barriers — it spreads aggressively underground
watchRemove flowers before seed sets to limit self-seeding in addition to rhizome spread
Common problems

Powdery mildew

Symptoms

White or grey powdery coating on leaves — usually starting on older growth in humid conditions or when nights cool.

Treatment

Improve air circulation by thinning plants. Apply neem oil or potassium bicarbonate spray at first sign. Avoid overhead watering.

Ground Elder Rust

Symptoms

Orange to brown pustules on the undersides of leaves, with yellow spotting on upper surfaces. Heavily infected leaves distort and die back.

Treatment

Remove and bag infected foliage; do not compost. Improve air circulation by cutting back dense growth. Rust rarely controls the plant but can be reduced by clearing affected leaves promptly.