Kenilworth Ivy Cymbalaria muralis

The shape of the leaves of Kenilworth Ivy lead to its Latin name cymbalaria.  The rounded leaves look similar to a cymbal, the musical instrument.  Muralis refers to its ability to climb walls.

In nature, it is typically found growing in disturbed locations as well as rocky shores, near buildings and along sidewalks.  It spread by means of its runners which root along its nodes.  The flowers are held upwards on a stalk in search of light.  After the flower is fertilized the stalk will then take on a pendent form to move away from light, forcing the seed into dark crevices where it will germinate.

It is a very short herbaceous perennial that forms a dense mat and is often grown as a ground cover or on rock and wall crevices and along footpaths. It is native to Europe and Asia. It has kidney-shaped medium green leave and tiny blue-violet flowers that resemble snapdragons.  

Honeybees are attracted to the flowers where the yellow 'honey guides' direct the bees to the center of the flower where pollen and nectar can be found.  

In cooler climates, it can be grown as an annual.  

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Mites, snails and slugs occasionally visit this plant.