Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia) is a low-growing, trailing plant that is popular for its vibrant foliage and vigorous growth. Also known as moneywort due to its round, coin-shaped leaves, this plant is frequently utilized as a decorative groundcover or as a cascading “spiller” plant in container gardens. It forms dense, flat mats of foliage, typically reaching only two to four inches in height. The plant produces small, cup-shaped yellow flowers that appear intermittently throughout the summer months.
Defining Creeping Jenny’s Lifespan
Creeping Jenny is botanically classified as an herbaceous perennial, meaning its root system and crowns survive through the winter to re-sprout new growth each spring. This classification is supported by its significant cold tolerance, allowing it to reliably overwinter across a wide range of climates. Specifically, Lysimachia nummularia is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 9, demonstrating an ability to withstand temperatures well below freezing.
In the warmer parts of its hardiness range, it behaves as a semi-evergreen, retaining some of its foliage color through the winter months. However, Creeping Jenny is often treated as a seasonal annual, particularly in areas outside of its hardiness zones or when used in temporary displays like hanging baskets. When utilized in seasonal container arrangements, the plant is typically discarded at the end of the growing season due to the container not providing sufficient insulation for the roots to survive a harsh winter.
Ideal Growing Conditions
Creeping Jenny is adaptable and will thrive in a variety of light exposures, from full sun to partial shade. The light intensity directly impacts the foliage color, with the ‘Aurea’ cultivar showing a brilliant golden-yellow hue in full sun. Conversely, plants grown in partial shade will exhibit a deeper, more chartreuse or lime-green coloration.
For the most vigorous growth, this plant prefers consistently moist, humus-rich soil that still maintains good drainage. It naturally occurs in damp areas, such as along stream banks and pond margins, making it a suitable choice for wet garden spots where other groundcovers might fail. Although it prefers moisture, proper drainage is necessary to prevent the root rot that can occur in oversaturated, poorly aerated soil.
This plant is frequently used to soften hard edges in the landscape, such as cascading over stone walls, out of window boxes, or along borders. It is also highly effective as a groundcover, capable of forming a dense mat that can help suppress weeds and prevent soil erosion. The plant’s ability to tolerate moist conditions also makes it a popular choice for rain gardens.
Managing Growth and Spread
A significant characteristic of Lysimachia nummularia is its aggressive, vigorous growth habit, which allows it to spread rapidly and root wherever its stems contact the soil. This propensity for growth means the plant can quickly outcompete and smother less assertive, delicate plants in a garden bed. Because of this rapid colonization, Creeping Jenny is considered an invasive species in several regions across North America.
To manage its spread in garden beds, regular maintenance pruning is necessary, especially in the early spring before new growth begins. Trimming back the stems that venture outside the desired area will help contain its borders and encourages a denser, bushier appearance within the confined space. Any removed stem cuttings must be disposed of properly, as they can easily root in compost or a new patch of ground.
Planting Creeping Jenny in containers or hanging baskets is a highly effective method for controlling its spread, utilizing its trailing nature while restricting its ability to root into the surrounding environment. For in-ground planting near a lawn or delicate perennials, installing a physical barrier or regular edging can prevent the stems from encroaching on neighboring areas.
Winter Survival and Container Use
In warmer climates, Creeping Jenny acts as a semi-evergreen, retaining foliage color throughout the winter. When used in temporary displays like hanging baskets, it is often treated as a seasonal annual. This is because container arrangements typically lack the insulation needed for the roots to survive harsh winter temperatures, leading to the plant being discarded at the end of the growing season.
Cultivation Needs
Light and Color Variation
Creeping Jenny is adaptable and will thrive in a variety of light exposures, from full sun to partial shade. The light intensity directly impacts the foliage color, with the ‘Aurea’ cultivar showing a brilliant golden-yellow hue in full sun. Conversely, plants grown in partial shade will exhibit a deeper, more chartreuse or lime-green coloration.
Soil and Moisture Requirements
For the most vigorous growth, this plant prefers consistently moist, humus-rich soil that still maintains good drainage. It naturally occurs in damp areas, such as along stream banks and pond margins, making it a suitable choice for wet garden spots where other groundcovers might fail. Although it prefers moisture, proper drainage is necessary to prevent the root rot that can occur in oversaturated, poorly aerated soil.
Landscape Applications and Control
Groundcover and Edging Use
This plant is frequently used to soften hard edges in the landscape, such as cascading over stone walls, out of window boxes, or along borders. It is also highly effective as a groundcover, capable of forming a dense mat that can help suppress weeds and prevent soil erosion. The plant’s ability to tolerate moist conditions also makes it a popular choice for rain gardens.
Controlling Aggressive Growth
A significant characteristic of Lysimachia nummularia is its aggressive, vigorous growth habit, which allows it to spread rapidly and root wherever its stems contact the soil. This propensity for growth means the plant can quickly outcompete and smother less assertive, delicate plants in a garden bed. Because of this rapid colonization, Creeping Jenny is considered an invasive species in several regions across North America.
Containment Strategies
To manage its spread in garden beds, regular maintenance pruning is necessary, especially in the early spring before new growth begins. Trimming back the stems that venture outside the desired area will help contain its borders and encourages a denser, bushier appearance within the confined space. Any removed stem cuttings must be disposed of properly, as they can easily root in compost or a new patch of ground.
Planting Creeping Jenny in containers or hanging baskets is a highly effective method for controlling its spread, utilizing its trailing nature while restricting its ability to root into the surrounding environment. For in-ground planting near a lawn or delicate perennials, installing a physical barrier or regular edging can prevent the stems from encroaching on neighboring areas.