“Persian Chocolate Creeping Jenny” (Lysimachia nummularia) is a unique cultivar known for its rich, dark foliage, which provides a striking contrast in garden designs. Its distinctive aesthetic introduces depth and texture to landscapes. The plant’s ease of care makes it suitable for both novice and experienced gardeners.
Unique Characteristics
“Persian Chocolate Creeping Jenny” showcases a unique foliage color, evolving from burgundy to deep reddish-brown or purplish-chocolate tones, especially when exposed to ample sunlight. It forms a low-growing, mat-like groundcover, typically reaching a height of 2 to 4 inches and spreading up to 3 feet or more. The plant’s prostrate stems creep along the ground, readily rooting at their nodes to expand coverage. Small, cup-shaped, bright yellow flowers emerge from late spring through mid-summer, providing a vibrant contrast against the dark leaves.
Cultivation and Care
Light Requirements
“Persian Chocolate Creeping Jenny” thrives in conditions ranging from full sun to partial shade. The intensity of its dark foliage color is most pronounced in full sun. In shadier locations, leaves may exhibit a greener hue, diminishing their chocolate tones. Providing morning sun with afternoon shade is often optimal, particularly in regions with hot summers, to prevent leaf blanching.
Watering Needs
This plant prefers consistently moist soil and can even flourish in damp or wet environments, such as along pond edges. Ensure the soil does not dry out completely to maintain its vigor and appearance. Its adaptability to moist conditions makes it suitable for areas where other groundcovers might struggle.
Soil Preferences
“Persian Chocolate Creeping Jenny” grows well in humus-rich, well-drained soils. It adapts to various soil types including loamy, clay, or sandy compositions. The plant prefers a soil pH that is slightly acidic to neutral, ideally ranging between 6.5 and 7.5. Incorporating organic matter can improve both drainage and nutrient availability, promoting healthier growth.
Temperature and Hardiness
This variety is a semi-evergreen perennial, capable of maintaining its foliage through mild winters. It is generally hardy in USDA Zones 6 through 9, but some sources indicate tolerance to Zones 4 or 5b through 10. The plant can withstand temperatures down to approximately 0°F (-17.8°C).
Fertilization
“Persian Chocolate Creeping Jenny” has a low nutrient requirement, making it a low-maintenance plant. It generally does not need extensive fertilization once established. For optimal health, a light application of a balanced granular fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 formulation, can be beneficial in early spring. Avoid fertilizing during initial planting or throughout the first growing season to allow the plant to establish naturally.
Landscape Applications
“Persian Chocolate Creeping Jenny” serves as an effective groundcover, forming a dense mat that can suppress weeds. Its trailing habit makes it an excellent choice for containers and hanging baskets, where stems can spill gracefully over the edges. The plant’s moisture tolerance also makes it suitable for water gardens, bog gardens, or along pond margins. Its dark foliage provides strong visual contrast, enhancing garden beds, rockeries, or pathways. This plant can also contribute to erosion control on slopes due to its spreading nature.
Propagation Methods
Propagating “Persian Chocolate Creeping Jenny” is straightforward, primarily through stem cuttings or division. Stem cuttings, approximately 4 to 6 inches long, can be taken and their lower leaves removed before placing them in water or moist potting soil. Roots will quickly develop from the nodes along the submerged or buried stems. Alternatively, the plant naturally roots where its stems touch the soil, allowing for simple division. Gardeners can gently press sections of stems into the soil to encourage new root formation, then sever them from the parent plant once established.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
One common characteristic of “Persian Chocolate Creeping Jenny” is its vigorous spreading habit, which can lead to invasive growth in certain conditions. To manage its spread, planting it within defined borders, using edging, or cultivating it in containers is effective. While generally resilient, the plant can occasionally encounter pests like slugs or snails, and may rarely experience rust or leaf spot diseases.