Creeping Jenny, scientifically known as Lysimachia nummularia, is a perennial plant with small yellow flowers and foliage resembling tiny coins. As an annual, it's perfect for growing in pots and hanging baskets. Given suitable conditions, this plant exhibits rapid growth and can be planted throughout the year without any limitations. The flowers are lovely, but unfortunately, they won't last long. Creeping Jenny is prized for its leaves because it makes an excellent ground cover for your yard or garden.
Botanical Name
Common Name
Plant Type
Mature Size
Sun Requirement
Soil Type
Hardiness Zone
Pet Friendly
Lysimachia nummularia
Creeping Jenny, Moneywort, or Golden Creeping Jenny
Evergreen ground cover
2-4 in. tall, 12-18 in. wide
Full sun, partial shade
Well-draining sandy, loamy, or clay
4-9 (USDA)
Yes
What Is a Creeping Jenny
The Creeping Jenny, also known as Moneywort or Golden Creeping Jenny, is a low-growing perennial that thrives in various garden settings. They are similar to creeping Charlie, which produces lavender-colored flowers.
The creeping Jenny's cascading stems elegantly spill over containers, hanging baskets, or rock walls, creating a striking visual display. Its round, glossy leaves, reminiscent of tiny coins, contribute to its unique charm and earn it the name "Moneywort."
One of the most captivating features of the Creeping Jenny is its ability to blanket the ground, spreading and intertwining to form a verdant carpet of beauty. It effortlessly fills gaps between pavers or rocks, softening hardscapes with its lush, evergreen foliage. This delightful plant is an excellent choice as the ground covers areas where other plants may struggle to thrive, such as damp or shaded corners of your garden.
However, some regions consider creeping Jenny an invasive plant due to its rapid growth. For this reason, do not plant Creeping Jenny unless you understand its rapid spreading habit. Before planting Creeping Jenny, make sure that it is not prohibited in your area due to its invasive tendencies. In many regions, an alternative option is to utilize "golden creeping Jenny" (Lysimachia nummularia 'Aurea'), which is readily accessible and widely distributed.
How to Grow Creeping Jenny
Light
Creeping Jenny thrives in full sun or partial shade. Creeping Jenny can survive in a variety of light conditions, though it does best in full sun or partial shade. Although Creeping Jenny typically thrives in partial shade to full sun environments, it can withstand certain amounts of direct sunlight, particularly in cooler climates. However, in areas characterized by intense heat, providing some afternoon shade can be advantageous to safeguard against leaf scorching.
Water
Creeping Jenny likes its soil moist or damp soil to thrive. Ensure a consistent soil moisture level to sustain the plants without excessive waterlogging, as overwatering can result in root rot. Changing the watering schedule to account for temperature and humidity is recommended. During hot and dry periods, it may be essential to increase the frequency of watering in order to maintain adequate soil moisture.
Temperature
Creeping Jenny is a fast-growing plant that will take root wherever the temperature stays above freezing, and there is a steady water supply, but for the best results, plant it in early spring to ensure gorgeous summer blossoms. Even after a harsh winter, creeping Jenny will return in the spring. The optimal temperature range for its growth is typically between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, which enables Creeping Jenny to thrive.
Source: Flickr
Humidity
In its native habitat, Creeping Jenny is often found in moist areas such as wet meadows, marshes, and along stream banks. Therefore, it naturally thrives in environments with higher humidity. However, it is important to note that this plant is also highly adaptable and can grow well in drier conditions as long as it receives sufficient moisture.
Aim to maintain humidity levels between 40% and 70%. This can be achieved by placing the plant in a location where it can benefit from naturally higher humidity, such as a bathroom, kitchen, or near a humidifier.
Creeping Jenny may suffer in extremely dry environments with low humidity. If you live in an arid region or during winter months when indoor heating reduces humidity, consider using a humidifier to maintain adequate moisture levels.
Soil
Creeping Jenny grows best in sandy, well-drained soil but has also been found in wet locations such as along riverbanks. Soil rich in clay might also be useful. The soil shouldn't be too sandy or rocky, as it won't hold as much water. If you want your Creeping Jenny to thrive, don't allow the soil to dry out.
For optimal growth, Creeping Jenny favors slightly acidic soil to neutral, with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. The soil texture and fertility can be enhanced by incorporating organic matter, such as compost, before planting.
Fertilization
Creeping Jenny plants are highly resilient and require minimal upkeep, making them an excellent addition to any garden. Creeping Jenny can be fertilized once it has been established permanently. If water retention is a problem, mulch is a good option. Applying a 10-10-10 solution on creeping Jenny in the spring helps it thrive.
Propagation
Creeping Jenny, or Lysimachia nummularia, can be easily propagated through several methods, including division, stem cuttings, and layering. Here's a breakdown of each propagation method:
Division
The most commonly used and uncomplicated approach for propagating Creeping Jenny is as follows.
Choose a healthy and mature Creeping Jenny plant.
Gently dig around the plant, exposing readily root.
Gently divide the plant into smaller sections, making sure that each division retains its own intact set of roots.
Replant the divisions in desired locations or pots filled with well-draining soil.
Thoroughly water the newly planted divisions and maintain a consistently moist soil until they establish their roots.
Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings are another effective way to propagate Creeping Jenny. Here's what you need to do:
Select a healthy stem from the parent plant. Ideally, choose a non-flowering stem.
Using clean and sharp pruning shears, cut a 3- to 4-inch (7.5-10 cm) section from the tip of the stem.
Trim off the lower leaves from the cutting, leaving a few sets of leaves at the upper portion.
Dip the cut end of the stem in a rooting hormone (optional but can improve success rates).
Place the cutting in a well-draining potting mix or a blend of perlite and peat moss, ensuring proper soil aeration and moisture retention.
Position the pot in a warm and well-lit area, ensuring it receives ample brightness while avoiding direct exposure to sunlight.
Maintain a consistent level of soil moisture, ensuring it remains adequately moist without becoming waterlogged.
After a few weeks, roots should develop, and new growth will appear. At this stage, you have the option to transplant the cutting into a larger container or relocate it to your desired location.
Layering
Layering is a propagation method that utilizes a portion of the parent plant to create new roots while still attached. Here's how to do it:
Identify a healthy and flexible stem on the parent plant.
Bury a section of the stem in the soil, exposing the tip.
You can use a small stake or a U-shaped wire to hold the buried section in place.
Ensure that the buried portion has contact with the soil.
Ensure the soil around the buried stem remains consistently moist to facilitate proper growth and development.
Over time, roots will gradually develop from the buried section, establishing a strong foundation for the plant.
Once the new plant has established its own roots, you can safely separate it from the parent plant and transplant it to its intended location.
Pruning
Frequent pruning will keep Creeping Jenny from taking control over new plants in your garden. The trimmings should be thrown away immediately to stop the Creeping Jenny spread. To encourage bushier growth, it is advisable to trim back any overgrown or leggy stems. Pruning is typically performed either in early spring before new growth appears or as needed throughout the growing season.
If you are looking to avoid frequent pruning, you can grow Creeping Jenny in a hanging basket or container. Growing Creeping Jenny in a hanging basket or container eliminates the need for constant pruning.
Potting and Repotting
Creeping Jenny is an excellent choice for container gardens. So if you want to enjoy the beauty of creeping Jenny but don't want it to take over your garden or flower bed, growing it in a container is the way to go. Creeping Jenny thrives in potted gardens, which look excellent when juxtaposed with taller plants. As a beautiful annual flower, Creeping Jenny is a popular choice for container gardening and hanging baskets.
Source: Flickr
Common Problems And Troubleshoot
Fungal Disease
Creeping Jenny is also susceptible to plant rust and leaf spots under wet or chilly growing conditions. As soon as you see any discoloration, treat the area with an organic fungicide and ensure plenty of ventilation.
Pests
While Creeping Jenny typically exhibits resistance to pests, occasional encounters with aphids, slugs, or snails may occur. Monitor the plant regularly and take appropriate measures, such as using organic insecticides or employing physical barriers, to control pests.
Leggy Growth
Creeping Jenny thrives in bright to partial shade conditions. Insufficient light can result in the plant becoming leggy and experiencing a loss of its vibrant color. Ensure it receives at least a few hours of direct or filtered sunlight each day to maintain its health and appearance.
Brown Leaves
While Creeping Jenny enjoys moist soil, and it can suffer if it becomes too dry. Insufficient watering can cause the leaves to turn brown and wilt. Make it a habit to regularly assess the moisture levels of the soil and water the plant when the top inch feels dry to the touch. However, be cautious not to let the soil dry out completely.
Root Rot
Creeping Jenny prefers moist soil but is susceptible to root rot if the soil is consistently waterlogged. Excessive watering can result in yellowing leaves, wilting, and eventual decline of the plant. It is important to ensure that the soil has good drainage and allow the top inch of the soil to dry out slightly before watering again.
Invasive Growth
Creeping Jenny is considered an invasive plant that can spread rapidly, potentially becoming invasive in certain regions. It's important to regularly monitor its growth and take measures to contain it if needed, such as edging or trimming back the plant as necessary.
Yellow Leaves
Yellow leaf color on Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia) can indicate various issues. Such as excessive moisture, under-watering, nutrient deficiency, insufficient light, or it can be natural aging.
Is Creeping Jenny Pet Friendly?
Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia) is generally considered non-toxic to dogs, cats, and other pets. It is considered a safe plant to have around pets. However, monitoring your pets when introducing any new plant to their environment is always a good idea, as individual sensitivities and reactions can vary. Some pets may have allergies or digestive sensitivities to certain plants, including Creeping Jenny.
FAQs
How do you winterize creeping Jenny?
With its hardiness rating of USDA Hardiness Zone 3, this plant can endure and thrive even in extremely cold conditions. Foliage may experience temporary damage from frost or snow, but it should recover in the spring. To overwinter your creeping Jenny, trim back the leaves in late fall.
How fast does Creeping Jenny grow?
Creeping Jenny is known for its fast growth rate. Under favorable conditions, it can spread and fill in an area quickly, usually covering about 2 to 3 feet in a single season.
Does Creeping Jenny flower?
Yes, Creeping Jenny produces small, yellow, cup-shaped flowers in late spring or early summer. While not the main attraction of the plant, the flowers can add a charming touch to its overall appearance.
Can Creeping Jenny be grown as an indoor plant?
Yes, Creeping Jenny can be grown indoors if provided with bright, indirect light and adequate moisture. Creeping Jenny can be a visually appealing addition to hanging baskets, or it can be utilized as a trailing plant on shelves or windowsills, enhancing the overall aesthetic.
Can I grow Creeping Jenny in a shady area?
Although Creeping Jenny thrives in partial shade to full sun, it can tolerate certain shade levels. However, excessive shade can lead to reduced vigor and less vibrant foliage. For optimal growth, it is recommended to provide Creeping Jenny with at least a few hours of direct or filtered sunlight each day.
Does Creeping Jenny attract bees or butterflies?
Creeping Jenny's flowers can attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. While it may not be the most significant pollinator plant, the flowers can still provide a source of nectar for these beneficial insects.
