To many gardeners, Creeping Charlie [1] is considered a tough and persistent weed, especially in shady conditions or where the lawn is minimally maintained. However, these factors, coupled with its pretty purple flower and minty smell make it a prime candidate for a hardy ground cover.

But if you are committed to getting rid of this plant from your lawn and have been unsuccessful with the standard weed killers, you might want to try a new method from Iowa State University using borax [2]. It must be used carefully. Borax contains boron, a mineral needed in small quantities for healthy plant growth; creeping charlie is particularly sensitive to even a slight increase in the amount of available boron.

Dissolve five teaspoons of 20 Mule Team Borax, found in most supermarkets, in one quart of water [3]. Spray this solution once over a 25 square feet area. Wait several months before assessing the results. Most, if not all of the creeping charlie should be gone. However, if you are not completely satisfied with the results, then try a broad leaf weed killer. Do not repeat the borox treatment because boron can build up in the soil and damage the existing grass.

After the elimination of the weed, be sure to establish a lawn maintenance program that involves regular watering and one or two annual applications of fertilizer. Creating a thick healthy lawn [4] will help prevent the weed from taking over again.