The Little Sunshine Plant, scientifically known as Lysimachia nummularia ‘Aurea’, is more commonly recognized as Golden Creeping Jenny. This perennial is celebrated for its vibrant, chartreuse to golden-yellow foliage. Its low-growing habit makes it a popular choice for garden settings.
Getting to Know Your Little Sunshine Plant
Golden Creeping Jenny forms a dense mat of rounded to heart-shaped leaves with a low-growing, creeping, and trailing habit. The foliage color ranges from a bright lime green in shadier conditions to a brilliant golden yellow when exposed to more sun. This plant typically reaches a height of 2 to 4 inches but can spread significantly, often between 12 to 18 inches or more.
Small, cup-shaped yellow flowers may appear along the stems, usually in early to mid-summer, although the primary appeal of this plant is its striking leaf color. The stems readily root wherever they touch the ground, contributing to its spreading nature.
Essential Care for Little Sunshine Plant
Light
Golden Creeping Jenny thrives in full sun to partial shade, with the most vibrant golden foliage developing in brighter conditions. In shadier locations, the leaves tend to be more chartreuse or lime green. In regions with intense summer heat, providing some afternoon shade can prevent the leaves from scorching or blanching.
Water
This plant prefers consistently moist soil and performs best when the soil does not dry out completely between waterings. While it tolerates damp to wet environments, avoid overly soggy conditions for extended periods. Regular watering is particularly important during its establishment phase and through hot summer months.
Soil
Golden Creeping Jenny flourishes in humus-rich, well-draining soil that retains moisture effectively. A slightly acidic to neutral pH is preferred. Amending the soil with organic matter, like compost, enhances fertility and moisture retention.
Temperature and Humidity
This hardy perennial grows well in USDA Zones 3 through 9. While it prefers moderate humidity, Golden Creeping Jenny is robust and not particular about specific humidity levels.
Fertilizer
Fertilizing Golden Creeping Jenny is often unnecessary, especially if planted in rich, fertile soil. If the soil is poor or for container-grown plants, a balanced liquid fertilizer can be applied, typically in early spring. Over-fertilization can lead to excessive leafy growth at the expense of its compact form.
Planting Your Little Sunshine Plant
The ideal times to plant Golden Creeping Jenny are in spring or early fall when temperatures are moderate. When planting in the ground, prepare the site by enriching the soil with organic matter to improve drainage and moisture retention. Space individual plants about 12 to 18 inches apart to allow for their spreading habit.
For containers or hanging baskets, choose a pot with good drainage holes and use a quality potting mix. Position the plants so their trailing stems can cascade gracefully over the edges. Ensure the soil is thoroughly watered after planting to help establish the root system.
Propagating Little Sunshine Plant
Propagating Golden Creeping Jenny is simple due to its natural rooting ability. One effective method is taking stem cuttings, which can be rooted in water or directly in moist soil. Simply snip a section of stem, ensuring it has a few leaf nodes, and place it in water or press it into damp soil.
Another easy propagation technique is division. Established clumps can be easily divided. Gently lift a section of the plant with rooted stems and transplant it to a new location.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
One common issue with Golden Creeping Jenny is the foliage turning green instead of its golden hue; this typically indicates insufficient light. Moving the plant to a brighter location can help restore its vibrant color. Yellowing leaves can signal either overwatering, leading to root issues, or underwatering, causing stress.
If the leaves appear brown or scorched, it often means the plant has dried out too much, especially in hot, sunny exposures. Slugs and snails can sometimes be attracted to the moist conditions preferred by Golden Creeping Jenny, potentially causing leaf damage. Regularly inspecting the plant and maintaining appropriate moisture levels can help mitigate these problems.
Creative Uses for Little Sunshine Plant
Its low-growing, spreading habit makes it an excellent choice for a vibrant groundcover, creating a golden carpet. It performs well as a “spiller” plant in container arrangements and hanging baskets, where its bright foliage cascades beautifully over the edges.
It also serves as a striking accent along borders or pathways, providing bright contrast to other plantings.
Given its tolerance for moist conditions, it is ideal for planting near water features like ponds or streams. Golden Creeping Jenny can also be tucked into rock gardens or used to soften the edges of stone walls.