Lysimachia nummularia: A Comprehensive Guide to Creeping Jenny
Lysimachia nummularia, commonly known as Creeping Jenny, Moneywort, Herb Twopence, or Twopenny Grass, is a versatile and hardy evergreen ground cover. This perennial plant belongs to the Primulaceae family and is native to Western Asia and Europe. It has gained popularity among gardeners for its attractive foliage and ability to form a dense mat, making it an excellent ground cover for various garden settings.
Description
Foliage: Creeping Jenny is renowned for its small, rounded leaves with wavy edges that grow oppositely along thin, trailing stems. The leaves are smooth, often shiny, and resemble a string of small coins, which is why it is also called moneywort. The foliage color can vary depending on the cultivar and light exposure. The species typically has soft green leaves.
Flowers: The plant produces bright yellow, cup-shaped flowers in the leaf axils during the summer. Each flower has five petals with dark reddish glandular dots, set in a hairless green calyx with five triangular teeth shorter than the petals. Although the flowers are attractive, they are not as conspicuous as the foliage and are not the primary reason for growing Creeping Jenny.
Growth Habit: Creeping Jenny forms slender fibrous roots where leaf nodes come in contact with the soil, creating a dense mat that grows 2-4 inches tall and spreads chaotically in all directions. This vigorous growth habit makes it an effective ground cover, but it can also become invasive if not properly managed.
Care Instructions for Lysimachia nummularia:
Light: Creeping Jenny thrives in full sun to partial shade. The foliage color will vary based on sun exposure, with golden yellow leaves in full sun and chartreuse green leaves in partial shade. In hot climates, the afternoon sun may cause the leaves to blanch.
Soil: This plant prefers moist, well-draining soils and can thrive in sandy, loamy, or clay soils. It can even grow along riverbanks where the soil is very wet, making it an excellent choice for areas with poor drainage.
Water: Regular watering is essential to keep the soil moist, as Creeping Jenny does not tolerate dry conditions well. Ensure that the soil remains consistently damp to promote healthy growth.
Temperature and Humidity: Creeping Jenny is hardy in USDA zones 4-9, making it capable of surviving cold winters and returning in the spring. It can tolerate a range of temperatures but performs best in moderate climates.
Fertilizer: Once established, Creeping Jenny can be lightly fertilized with a balanced 10-10-10 solution in early spring to encourage robust growth.
Pruning: Trim back dead stems before winter to ensure a tidy appearance and promote healthy regrowth in the spring. Pruning can also help control its spread and prevent it from overtaking other plants.
Propagation of Creeping Jenny:
Creeping Jenny is easy to propagate due to its resilience and natural spreading habits.
By Division: The simplest method is to dig up a portion of an established patch, separate it into smaller sections, and plant them in new soil. This can be done in early spring or fall.
By Cuttings: Take cuttings from healthy stems and root them in water or a moist potting mix. Once roots have developed, transplant the cuttings to their desired location.
By Seeds: Although less common, Lysimachia nummularia can also be propagated by seeds. Sow seeds in a well-draining potting mix and keep them moist until germination.
Potting and Repotting
Creeping Jenny is well-suited for container gardens and hanging baskets. Its tendrils hang gracefully over the edges of pots, creating a beautiful cascading effect. When planting in containers, pair it with taller plants to create a striking contrast. Ensure that the container has good drainage and water regularly to maintain moist soil conditions.
Common Pests and Diseases
Lysimachia nummularia is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, in rainy or overly moist environments, it may be susceptible to fungal diseases such as rust and leaf spots. These can be treated with liquid copper fungicides to prevent the spread of infection. Regular monitoring and proper watering practices can help keep these issues at bay.
Landscape Uses
Creeping Jenny is an excellent ground cover for various garden settings. It can be used to fill in gaps between tulips and daffodils, underplanting roses or other shrubs, and around daylilies, ferns, and tall perennials. Its spreading habit makes it ideal for covering large areas quickly. However, due to its aggressive growth, it should be used carefully to prevent it from crowding out other plants.
In container gardens, Creeping Jenny serves as a beautiful spiller plant, adding visual interest to pots and hanging baskets. Its foliage colors contrast well with dark green leaves and brightly colored flowers, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the container arrangement.
Conclusion
Lysimachia nummularia, or Creeping Jenny, is a versatile and attractive ground cover that can add beauty and functionality to various garden settings. Its vibrant foliage, easy propagation, and adaptability to different soil and light conditions make it a popular choice among gardeners. With proper care and management, Creeping Jenny can thrive and enhance the visual appeal of any garden or container arrangement.
