Lysimachia nummularia, commonly known as Creeping Jenny or moneywort, is a popular, low-growing herbaceous perennial used as a ground cover. Recognized for its trailing stems and small, bright, coin-shaped leaves, it forms a dense, cascading mat of foliage only a few inches tall. The plant is valued for its general hardiness, surviving in USDA zones 3 through 9, and its capacity for rapid lateral growth.
The Relationship Between Creeping Jenny and Sunlight
Creeping Jenny can grow in shaded environments, but its performance and appearance are significantly influenced by the amount of light it receives. The plant achieves its most vigorous growth and dense coverage when placed in a location receiving partial sun to partial shade.
The foliage color provides a visible indicator of light exposure, particularly in the popular ‘Aurea’ cultivar. In full sun, the leaves display a lighter, vibrant golden-yellow hue, resulting from lower chlorophyll production due to ample sunlight.
Conversely, in shadier spots, the leaves deepen to a chartreuse or lime green. This color shift occurs because the plant produces more chlorophyll to maximize the capture of limited light. In deep shade, growth becomes sparser and leggier, as stems stretch out to search for light, resulting in less effective ground coverage.
Optimal Soil and Moisture Conditions
Creeping Jenny has a high demand for moisture, which is a significant factor in its successful cultivation. It naturally thrives in consistently damp or wet areas, making it well-suited for locations near stream banks or pond edges. The plant prefers rich, well-draining soil, but tolerates varying soil types and pH levels.
Maintaining consistent moisture is important, especially for plants grown in sunnier locations where evaporation rates are higher. Dry periods are detrimental and can lead to the browning of the foliage. While it can tolerate temporary waterlogging, the soil must remain moist without being completely saturated.
Controlling Spread and Common Garden Uses
A defining characteristic of Lysimachia nummularia is its vigorous, sometimes aggressive, growth habit, which necessitates monitoring. The plant spreads rapidly by long, trailing stems that root easily wherever leaf nodes contact the soil. This capacity for quick spread has led to it being considered invasive in certain regions, where it can quickly overtake neighboring plants.
Regular pruning is a useful maintenance practice to manage its aggressive nature and prevent encroachment on other garden beds. For gardeners concerned about its spread, planting it in containers or hanging baskets is recommended, allowing the stems to trail gracefully without rooting into the surrounding landscape. Beyond ground cover, its trailing quality makes it a popular “spiller” plant in mixed containers, providing a bright contrast to darker foliage and taller annuals.