Ground ivy, also known as creeping charlie, can spread quickly in lawns and garden beds. The right weed killer targets ground ivy and neighboring weeds without harming desirable plants. This guide reviews five highly effective products, highlighting application details, speed of results, and long-term control to help you choose the best option for your landscape.
Summary of Selected Products:
- Ortho GroundClear Poison Ivy & Tough Brush Killer3 — Ready-to-use spray with fast-acting, systemic action.
- Bonide Poison Oak & Ivy Killer — Ready-to-use spray with root-killing formula, works overnight.
- Ortho GroundClear Weed and Grass Killer with Comfort Wand — Fast results, water-resistant after drying; not for lawns.
- Ortho Weed B Gon Chickweed, Clover & Oxalis Killer for Lawns (Concentrate) — Lawn-specific, kills ground ivy among listed weeds.
- Roundup Poison Ivy Plus Tough Brush Killer₂ with Comfort Wand — Quick visible results, broad weed control.
Ortho GroundClear Poison Ivy & Tough Brush Killer3
Ortho GroundClear Poison Ivy & Tough Brush Killer3 is a ready-to-use weed killer designed to control over 60 listed tough weeds and brush, including ground ivy, poison ivy, poison oak, kudzu, and wild blackberry. Its fast-acting formula starts working quickly, with visible results in about one hour. The product works systemically, killing weeds down to the root for extended control. This makes it a strong choice for urgent, above-ground infestations in landscaped areas, driveways, and pathways where brush or woody plants are a concern. Use as directed for best results and reapplication guidelines.
Bonide Poison Oak & Ivy Killer
Bonide Poison Oak & Ivy Killer is a 32-ounce ready-to-use spray designed to control poison ivy and poison oak at home. The fast-acting formula begins working overnight and kills the plants down to the root. It is rain-proof within six hours of application. When used as directed, it helps manage poison ivy, poison oak, and a variety of broadleaf weeds without harming surrounding lawn grasses, making it suitable for edging beds, walkways, and treatment around home landscaping.
Ortho GroundClear Weed and Grass Killer with Comfort Wand
This Ortho product provides fast-acting weed control that targets weeds in patios, landscape beds, and around features like walkways and trees. The formula is absorbed on contact and works quickly to produce visible results, typically within 15 minutes after drying. It is rainproof within about two hours after application, and it’s designed for areas where you do not want any plant growth for a period of time. It is not formulated for use on active lawns or turf.
Ortho Weed B Gon Chickweed, Clover & Oxalis Killer
Ortho Weed B Gon Chickweed, Clover & Oxalis Killer for Lawns is a concentrate formulated to kill tough weeds in turf areas when used as directed. It targets ground ivy among a broader list of weeds such as chickweed, clover, oxalis, and wild violet. The product is rainproof within six hours after application, making it suitable for outdoor use in varying weather conditions. Apply when weeds are actively growing and temperatures are below 90°F to maximize effectiveness in lawns and compatible turf.
Ortho GroundClear Year Long Vegetation Killer2 Concentrate
Ortho GroundClear Year Long Vegetation Killer2 Concentrate is designed to kill weeds and existing vegetation and prevent regrowth for up to 12 months. It’s intended for areas where no plant growth is wanted for an extended period, such as driveways, sidewalks, fence lines, paver patios, walkways, and gravel areas. The product kills weeds and roots when used as directed and provides long-lasting control, useful for perimeter treatments and areas not suitable for planting for a full year.
Roundup Poison Ivy Plus Tough Brush Killer₂
Roundup Poison Ivy Plus Tough Brush Killer₂ is an exclusive formula designed to kill poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, wild blackberry, kudzu, and other tough weeds. It delivers rainproof performance in as little as 30 minutes and can show visible results within hours. The product is suitable for treating larger outdoor areas where woody brush and broadleaf weeds threaten landscape integrity. It provides a robust option for quick, broad-spectrum control in home landscapes and hardscape borders.
Roundup Dual Action 365 Weed & Grass Killer Plus 12 Month Preventer
Roundup Dual Action 365 Weed & Grass Killer Plus 12 Month Preventer provides one-step weed protection for up to 12 months. It kills and prevents many types of tough weeds and grasses, including clover, dandelion, large and smooth crabgrass, poison ivy, and other broadleaf and grassy weeds. The product is rainproof in as fast as 30 minutes and offers quick visible results, making it suitable for maintaining long-term control around driveways and walkways, as well as in landscape beds. It combines weed elimination with preventive action to reduce future germination.
Roundup Weed & Grass Killer₄ with Pump ‘N Go 2 Sprayer
Roundup Weed & Grass Killer₄ with Pump ‘N Go 2 Sprayer is designed for use in and around flower beds, trees, and other features. It kills weeds and grasses to the root, including dandelion, crabgrass, poison ivy, clover, and other broadleaf weeds. The formula is rainproof in about 30 minutes and yields visible results in hours. It’s suitable for treating areas where you want targeted, on-demand weed control, with a user-friendly spray system for precise applications around landscape features.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
When selecting a weed killer for ground ivy and related weeds, consider the following criteria to ensure effective, safe, and convenient results:
- Target weeds and landscape impact — Verify that ground ivy is listed and confirm whether you need broad-spectrum control or a selective product that preserves lawn grasses.
- Application area — Some formulas are suitable for lawns, while others are intended for patios, driveways, or garden beds. Choose based on where you plan to spray.
- Speed of results — If you need quick relief from weed pressure, prioritize products with rapid visible effects and short re-entry times after drying.
- Root and systemic action — Systemic products that kill roots reduce the likelihood of quick reinfestation, especially for creeping ground ivy.
- Weather and rain resistance — Check drying times and rain resistance to plan applications between weather events.
- Safety and replanting windows — Some products require a waiting period before replanting or seeding. Follow labeled guidelines to protect desirable plants.
- Non-target safety — Assess whether the product is safe for adjacent lawn grasses, ornamental plants, and pets after the treated area dries.
- Long-term prevention — Some products offer extended prevention windows, reducing the chance of regrowth beyond initial control.
- Ease of use — Consider spray wand comfort, spray pattern, and whether a ready-to-use formula or concentrate better fits your maintenance routine.
In evaluating options, weigh the balance between rapid weed kill, root-level control, and impact on surrounding plants. For mixed landscapes with both lawn and ornamental beds, a combination approach—one product for lawn-safe treatment and another for hardscape areas—can deliver comprehensive control. Always follow the product label for safe handling, application rates, and reapplication timing to optimize results and minimize environmental impact.