If you’re looking for a plant that is a good ground cover, and brings a nice green or golden color to the garden while staying low to the ground, creeping Jenny might be a good choice. This ground cover thrives in a variety of conditions, from garden beds to containers, and it’s easy to care for, easy to propagate and is surprisingly tough. I’ve grown creeping Jenny in full shade and full sun and it does well in both settings.
What is Creeping Jenny?
Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia) is a trailing perennial known for its round, bright green or golden leaves and fast-growing habit. It forms a dense mat that hugs the soil and spills beautifully over edges, making it ideal for softening garden borders, walkways, or container plantings. It can be used as a ground cover where you need a splash of bright color under some trees or shrubs. It grows very quickly, filling in those bare spots in the garden.
Types of Creeping Jenny
There are two main varieties you’re likely to encounter:
- Lysimachia nummularia ‘Aurea’ – Known for its vibrant golden-yellow foliage. This is the most popular variety for ornamental use.
- Lysimachia nummularia (species type) – Features green leaves and can be a bit more vigorous than the golden version.
Both types offer the same spreading growth habit and can be used interchangeably depending on your color preference.
How to Care for Creeping Jenny
Creeping Jenny is low-maintenance, but it appreciates a few basics:
- Light: Prefers partial shade to full sun, but I have had it grow in full shade and it does fine. Maybe it doesn’t grow as quickly in full shade, but it will eventually fill in. In hot climates, afternoon shade helps prevent leaf scorch.
- Soil: Moist, well-drained soil is ideal.
- Water: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially in containers. Creeping Jenny doesn’t like to dry out.
- Fertilizer: You can feed once in spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer, but I never do and it does just fine.
Pruning and Maintenance
Creeping Jenny can get a little too enthusiastic if left unchecked. To keep it tidy:
- Trim back runners to control its spread with a nice pair of hand pruners.
- Cut back foliage in late fall or early spring to encourage fresh, compact growth.
- In containers, pinch or trim stems to prevent overgrowth.
Great for Containers and Hanging Baskets
Creeping Jenny isn’t just for ground cover. Its trailing stems make it a perfect “spiller” in container gardens, window boxes, and hanging baskets. It pairs beautifully with upright plants and adds a bright, cascading element to mixed plantings.
Propagation: How to Grow More Creeping Jenny
This plant couldn’t be easier to propagate:
- Division: In spring or fall, dig up a patch and separate it into smaller clumps. Replant immediately.
- Stem cuttings: Take a cutting and root it in moist soil. It usually establishes quickly. You can dip in root hormone if you want to.
Its ability to root wherever the stem touches soil makes it a fast and forgiving spreader.
Pests and Diseases
Creeping Jenny is mostly trouble-free, but here are a few things to watch for:
- Root rot: Can occur in poorly drained soil or overwatered containers.
- Slugs and snails: May nibble on the leaves, especially in damp, shady areas.
- Leaf spot or rust: Occasionally appears in overly wet conditions but is usually minor.
Good air circulation and well-draining soil go a long way in preventing issues.
Conclusion
Whether you want to fill in bare spots in the garden or add a splash of color to your containers, creeping Jenny is a hardworking plant that looks great and asks for very little.
Check out another hard working ground cover, vinca minor aka periwinkle
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