Creeping Jenny, known scientifically as Lysimachia nummularia, is a popular, fast-growing groundcover known for its vibrant green or golden foliage, forming a lush, mat-like display. This herbaceous perennial is also called moneywort or twopenny grass, named for its small, coin-shaped leaves. It is often chosen for its ability to quickly cover areas and add bright texture to gardens.
Basic Care Essentials
Light
Creeping Jenny thrives in full sun or partial shade. Sunlight directly influences foliage color; varieties like ‘Aurea’ show brighter golden-yellow in full sun. In shade, leaves become a darker chartreuse green. In regions with intense summer heat, afternoon shade prevents scorching.
Water
Creeping Jenny prefers consistently moist soil and does not tolerate drying out. Regular watering is necessary, especially during warm, dry periods, to keep foliage vibrant. Avoid prolonged waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. Allowing the top inch of soil to dry slightly between waterings helps maintain proper moisture balance.
Soil
Creeping Jenny performs best in moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter, such as a loamy soil. While it can adapt to various soil types, incorporating compost or peat moss enhances structure and fertility. The plant tolerates a wide pH range, preferring slightly acidic to neutral conditions (6.0-7.5).
Fertilizer
Creeping Jenny is not a heavy feeder and requires minimal fertilization. A light application of a balanced liquid or slow-release granular fertilizer in early spring can promote vigorous growth. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this encourages excessive foliage at the expense of overall plant health.
Temperature and Hardiness
Creeping Jenny is a hardy perennial in USDA zones 3 through 9. While its foliage may die back in colder climates, the root system generally survives and produces new growth in spring.
Planting and Versatile Uses
Choosing a Location
When selecting a site, consider Creeping Jenny’s vigorous growth and light requirements. An area with full sun to partial shade and consistently moist soil encourages optimal growth. Due to its rapid spread, choose a location where its growth can be managed or contained, or where it can spread freely without overwhelming other plants.
Planting Instructions
Plant Creeping Jenny in early spring, ideally after the last frost. For groundcover, space plants about 2 feet apart. In containers, they can be placed closer, often around the edges. Gently loosen roots before planting and water thoroughly to help establishment.
Container and Water Garden Applications
Creeping Jenny excels as a “spiller” plant in containers like hanging baskets, window boxes, and pots. Its preference for moist conditions also makes it an excellent choice for water gardens, pond edges, or boggy areas, tolerating shallow submersion. Using containers is a practical method to enjoy its beauty while effectively controlling its spread.
Ongoing Maintenance and Management
Pruning
Pruning Creeping Jenny helps maintain its shape, encourages bushier growth, and controls its vigorous spread. The best times for pruning are early spring before new growth emerges, or late fall to tidy the plant. Removing about one-third of the plant’s growth, including any dead or damaged stems, encourages fresh, vibrant foliage. Regular trimming throughout the growing season also helps manage its size and density.
Controlling Spread
Creeping Jenny is known for its aggressive growth, spreading readily via rooting stems and rhizomes. To prevent it from overtaking other plants, consider planting it in contained areas or using physical barriers. Regular trimming manages its boundaries, and removed plant material should be disposed of carefully, as trimmings can easily root. Growing it in leaner, drier soils can also reduce its invasive tendencies, though it performs best in moist, fertile conditions.
Winter Care
As a hardy perennial, Creeping Jenny generally withstands winter in its established hardiness zones. In colder regions, foliage may die back, but roots typically survive and regrow in spring. For container-grown plants in colder zones, move them to a sheltered location or indoors to preserve them. Continue watering until the ground freezes, but pause fertilization during winter.
Pests and Diseases
Creeping Jenny is generally a resilient plant with few significant pest or disease issues. However, in consistently wet or humid environments, it can become susceptible to fungal diseases like rust, leaf spots, and root rot. Ensuring proper air circulation and well-draining soil helps prevent these problems. While not common, slugs can occasionally pose a minor issue for the foliage.