Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia) is a popular perennial, often used as a groundcover or trailing plant in containers. Known for its vibrant, golden-chartreuse foliage and vigorous spread, regular pruning is essential for its health and appearance.
Why Prune Creeping Jenny
Pruning Creeping Jenny serves several key purposes. It helps manage the plant’s vigorous growth habit, preventing it from overwhelming other garden inhabitants or designated areas. Removing overgrown sections also helps maintain a desired shape, especially when the plant is used as a border or in a contained setting.
Regular trimming promotes denser, fuller growth and encourages new shoots, revitalizing leggy or sparse areas. Removing damaged or dead stems also improves air circulation, contributing to overall plant health and reducing disease risk.
When to Prune Creeping Jenny
Optimal significant pruning is in early spring, just before new growth begins. This timing allows the plant to channel its energy into producing fresh, healthy foliage.
A general tidying can also occur in late fall to prepare the plant for winter dormancy, removing any spent flowers or leggy stems. Lighter pruning can be done throughout the growing season as needed to maintain shape and control spread.
How to Prune Creeping Jenny
To prune Creeping Jenny effectively, use sharp gardening shears or scissors. This ensures clean cuts that minimize stress to the plant.
General Shaping and Density
For general shaping and promoting density, a light trimming or pinching back of the tips is effective. This encourages the plant to branch out, resulting in a fuller appearance.
Controlling Spread
Controlling its spread involves cutting back any runners that extend beyond the desired boundaries. These stems can be trimmed just above a leaf node to redirect growth.
Rejuvenation Pruning
For overgrown or sparse patches, a more aggressive rejuvenation pruning can be performed. This involves cutting stems back to 2-4 inches from the ground, which stimulates vigorous new growth.
Removing Damaged Foliage
When dealing with damaged, diseased, or yellowed foliage, these sections should be removed completely. Cut the stem at its base or just above a healthy leaf. This selective removal improves the plant’s health and appearance.
Proper disposal of trimmings is important, as discarded stems can readily root and start new plants if left on moist soil.
Post-Pruning Care for Creeping Jenny
After pruning, adequate care helps Creeping Jenny recover and thrive. Thoroughly water the plant, especially if significant foliage was removed, to rehydrate and support recovery.
While not a heavy feeder, a light application of balanced liquid fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) in early spring after pruning provides nutrients for new growth. Observe the plant for signs of new growth, indicating successful recovery and vitality.
Propagating Creeping Jenny Cuttings
Pruned stems from Creeping Jenny can be easily used to propagate new plants, as this plant readily roots from stem cuttings. To propagate, follow these steps:
- Select healthy, non-flowering stems that are 4-6 inches long.
- Remove the leaves from the bottom inch or two of each cutting to expose the nodes, where roots will emerge.
- Place these cuttings directly into moist, well-draining potting mix or a glass of water.
- Keep the rooting medium consistently moist, and place the cuttings in bright, indirect light.
- New roots typically develop within 2-4 weeks, after which the new plants can be transplanted.