Creeping Jenny | Plant Profile | Sylvan Gardens Landscape Contractors (2024)

FAQs

What are the cons of creeping jenny? ›

Lysimachia is susceptible to rust and leaf spots. Plants should be closely monitored to avoid unwanted spread. “Aurea' has yellow leaves. Yellow foliage has been known to revert to the green color of the species.

Plants often turn more yellow-gold in full sun, but too much sun in very hot weather can bleach the leaves. Creeping jenny needs well-draining sand, loam or clay, and these vigorous plants are not picky about soil pH. Plant them in early spring in moist soil.

Its nature is to choke out weeds and grow rapidly in hard-to-plant areas. Creeping Jenny are tolerant of many conditions, thriving in full sun to part shade with medium to wet soil.

It grows rapidly and can form dense mats of vegetation that outcompete native plants for resources. Its ability to root at the nodes also makes it difficult to remove completely once it has been established. Creeping Jenny is listed in the Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States.

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.

Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia) is a pretty but aggressive groundcover that can take over garden areas pronto, especially if your garden ground is moist and fertile.

Growing Conditions for Creeping Jenny

It grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Hardiness Zones 4 to 9, which encompass most of the United States. It prefers full sun and well-draining, moist soil, but the soil can be acid, alkaline, or neutral. It can grow in partial shade but not as fast as in full sun.

The yellow or chartreuse cultivars of creeping Jenny, such as 'Aurea' and 'Goldilocks' types, have become popular as ground covers and spillers for container gardens. However, Lysimachia plants aren't annuals like most of their container companions; they can return each year in most growing zones.

If Creeping Jenny is established in your lawn it may take two seasons to eradicate it. The plant can be hand pulled where practical. All stems and stem fragments should be removed from the area to prevent the stems from rooting again in the soil. Prolonged submergence will kill Creeping Jenny.

The easiest ground covers to grow are creeping jenny, creeping phlox, and honeysuckle. Make sure they thrive in your landscape's sunlight and soil conditions.

What grows well with Creeping Jenny? ›

Creeping thyme is a versatile groundcover that serves multiple purposes in the garden. Its low-growing habit and dense foliage create a mat that effectively suppresses weeds, while its delicate purple flowers add a burst of color and attract pollinators.

Lysimachia nummularia (Moneywort) is considered to be non-toxic to people, dogs, cats, and horses. In fact, Creeping Jenny is used in some forms of herbal medicine for treating a variety of ailments.

As its name suggests, creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia) is a low-growing plant with long stems that spread outward. Its coinlike golden leaves are why it's commonly called moneywort. Creeping Jenny works well growing between stepping stones, where it will tolerate some foot traffic.

To cover a wide area, Creeping Jenny can be given quite a bit of space. 12 inches of space between plants is the recommended minimum, but these plants grow and spread so fast that they can fill up space if planted much further apart.

Creeping jenny plants are low-maintenance and can thrive with little to no attention. One of the most important care aspects is controlling the plant's spread. You can grow it in a hanging pot or container to stop it from overrunning, or you can mow the edges of ground-planted plants to keep it under control.

Overwatering and root rot are the most likely cause of problems in Creeping Jenny, since they are sensitive to wet soil. The leaves may also appear to be curling or drooping. Less often, yellow leaves are caused by underwatering, nutrient deficiencies, or pests.

Toxicity and Risks of Creeping Jenny

Lysimachia nummularia (Moneywort) is considered to be non-toxic to people, dogs, cats, and horses. In fact, Creeping Jenny is used in some forms of herbal medicine for treating a variety of ailments.

Bees and butterflies can't resist the lure of Creeping Jenny. By inviting these pollinators, you're not just beautifying your space; you're contributing to the health of your local ecosystem.