There are approximatly 150 species of Lysimachia, but the most commonly known is Lysimachia nummularia, also known as Creeping Jenny, and less commonly known as moneywort. Creeping Jenny is a versatile and vibrant genus of plants that adds a bright and lively touch to gardens and landscapes. Lysimachia, particularly the nummularia species, is cultivated for its trailing, creeping growth habit and ability to thrive in various conditions.
There are other Lysimachia species that are grown in the Upstate, including the annual hybrids Walkabout Sunset and Sundew Springs, and there is also a perennial Lysimachia alfredii Night Light species that is new to Martin Garden Center.
Growing and Caring for Lysimachia
Sunlight and Soil:
Creeping Jenny thrives in partial to full sunlight. However, it can tolerate some shade, especially in hot and intense sunlight regions, but the golden color tends to fade in the shade.
Watering:
Lysimachia nummularia is relatively adaptable to different moisture levels, but consistent watering is essential, especially during dry periods. While Creeping Jenny can tolerate short periods of drought, maintaining evenly moist soil enhances its growth performance.
Fertilization:
Creeping Jenny generally does not require heavy fertilization. A balanced, slow-release spring fertilizer can provide the nutrients for healthy growth.
Pruning and Maintenance:
Regular pruning helps manage the spreading nature of Creeping Jenny and prevents it from becoming invasive. Trimming back the stems in late winter or early spring can promote a more compact and tidy appearance.
Pests and Common Problems
Lysimachia is generally resistant to many pests and diseases, making it a relatively low-maintenance plant. However, like any garden plant, it may face certain issues with slugs, snails, and aphids, especially in damp conditions. These pests may feed on the foliage, causing damage.
Leaves and Flowers
Characterized by their vibrant golden hued leaves, depending on the variety, the leaves are small, rounded, and arranged opposite each other along the trailing stems. These leaves are often heart-shaped or nearly circular, creating a dense and lush carpet of foliage. The foliage of Creeping Jenny is herbaceous in the Upstate, thus dying back to the ground in all but the mildest winter. There are no flowers.
Uses in the Garden
Creeping Jenny is widely utilized as a ground cover due to its low spreading growth habit. It forms a dense mat of foliage that suppresses weeds and adds a lush carpet of greenery to garden beds. Its ability to cascade over edges makes it particularly suitable for slopes and retaining walls.
The trailing nature of Creeping Jenny also makes it an excellent choice for containers and hanging baskets. Planted alone or combined with other complementary plants, it spills over the edges, creating an appealing cascade of foliage and flowers. In garden borders, Lysimachia nummularia adds a burst of color and texture. Its vibrant yellow leaves and trailing habit make it an ideal choice for edging pathways or framing flower beds. When planted alongside taller plants, it creates a visually pleasing contrast.
Our Selection of Creeping Jenny
At Martin Garden Center, we try to have Creeping Jenny in 4″ pots in stock 365 days a year. We occasionally have 6″ containers available as well. Although there are several varieties of Creeping Jenny, we grow only the common Creeping Jenny “Aurea,” or gold color, and our vendors normally carry the non-branded variety. Though from time to time we will bring in the Proven Winner “Goldilocks” particularly when we are out of stock with the common variety.
In 2024, we are also growing, for the first time, Lysimachia alfredii Night Light, which is a part sun to shade herbaceous perennial. The dark variegated foliage contrasts with the bright yellow blooms that supposedly go on from Spring to Fall … we will see about that. You will find this perennial in our Shade Perennials Arbor.
Our vendors also grow Lysimachia annual hybrids including Walkabout Sunset and Sundew Springs, a full to part sun plant that provides a carpet of larger chartreuse green foliage. Look for it in our Courtyard, as it provides a nice accent plant to edge beds.
Is Creeping Jenny Invasive?
While Creeping Jenny is valued for its ability to quickly fill in spaces and provide ground cover. Ergo, it can spread quickly. However, it is easy to remove so it would not be qualified as invasive. Gardeners should monitor its growth and prevent it from spreading into unwanted areas.
Is Creeping Jenny A Perennial?
Yes, Creeping Jenny is a perennial plant in the Upstate. However, it is an herbaceous perennial that dies to the ground every year and then comes back in the spring. Perennials are plants that live for more than two years, often coming back year after year.
Is Creeping Jenny Toxic to Cats and Dogs?
Creeping Jenny, specifically Lysimachia nummularia, is not listed as being toxic to cats and dogs. However, it’s essential to note that the plant contains substances that, if ingested in large quantities, can potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset in pets. This might include symptoms like drooling, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Do Deer Eat Creeping Jenny?
Deer are known to be opportunistic feeders, and their preference for plants can vary depending on factors such as region, season, and local food availability. Creeping Jenny is generally considered to be deer-resistant, due to the plant’s somewhat bitter taste that is unappealing to deer.
