Creeping Jenny

lysimachia congestiflora

Also known as: ["Moneywort","Herb-Tony"]

Family: Primulaceae Genus: Lysimachia Category: Flowers

Overview

A low-growing, spreading perennial with bright yellow flowers and round, succulent leaves.

Benefits & Perks

["long-flowering","disease resistant","deer resistant","pet-friendly","ground cover","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Ericales
Family: Primulaceae
Genus: Lysimachia
Botanical Name: Lysimachia congestiflora

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: shaded garden bed or container in a humid environment
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Busy People (low Maintenance) Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"8–11"}
  • Misting: every 2–3 days to maintain moderate humidity
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining potting mix with added perlite or sand for aeration.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: low
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Every 2–3 months or as needed to control size.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; can tolerate some direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon sun.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct light, protect from intense sun to prevent scorching, adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil conditions or overwatering.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

easy

Sunlight

partial shade to full shade

Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid south-facing windows in summer.

Watering

every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings

Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, allow soil to dry between waterings, avoid wetting foliage.

Soil

moist, well-draining, organic-rich soil

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Use a mix with good drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes.

Temperature

Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates a range of 50–85°F (10–29°C) but thrives in moderate temperatures.

Avoid sudden temperature changes; keep away from heating/cooling vents; maintain consistent room temperature.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring and summer)

Fertilize after watering to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; stop fertilizing in fall/winter.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings in water or soil.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 4–6 inch cuttings, remove lower leaves, place in medium, keep moist, wait for roots.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm, humid environment with indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining potting mix or water with occasional changes.

Hormone

Optional but can speed up rooting.

Timeline

Roots develop in 2–4 weeks; new growth appears in 4–6 weeks.

Tools Needed

Pruners, rooting hormone (optional), small pots, water or soil medium.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep cuttings out of direct sun; maintain consistent moisture.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back tips, trim leggy stems, remove dead or yellowing leaves.

Pruning Plan

Remove leggy growth, encourage bushier habit, maintain shape and health.

Tools

Clean pruners or scissors, disinfectant.

Checklist

Sanitize tools, prune after flowering, remove dead growth, shape as desired.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before new growth begins.

Pot Size

One size larger pot; ensure good drainage holes.

Method

Remove plant gently, trim roots if needed, place in new pot with fresh soil, water lightly.

Suggestions

Repot every 1–2 years or when roots fill the pot; promotes growth and prevents congestion.

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot, prepare fresh soil, handle roots carefully, water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture, water thoroughly, ensure drainage, avoid wetting leaves.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water directly at the root zone, ensure water penetrates deeply, allow excess to drain, water in the morning to reduce evaporation.

Pro Tip: Use room temperature water to avoid shocking the roots.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water when the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage, incorporate organic matter for fertility, ensure good aeration.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, leaf drop, stunted growth, or browning leaf edges.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, may cause leaf discoloration or dieback in prolonged cold.

Solution: Move to a warmer spot, insulate pots, avoid cold drafts, reduce watering.

Hot Stress

Leaf scorch, wilting, reduced flowering, or leaf drop in excessive heat.

Solution: Provide shade, increase humidity, water more frequently, ensure good air circulation.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use diluted fertilizer, apply during growing season, avoid winter feeding, flush soil periodically.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Lysimachia congestiflora may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, which can impair photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Wilting in Lysimachia congestiflora is often a sign of water stress, either due to under or overwatering, which can lead to cellular damage and reduced nutrient uptake.

Leaf spots on Lysimachia congestiflora may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, resulting in reduced photosynthetic efficiency and potential defoliation.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, can occur in Lysimachia congestiflora due to excessive moisture or fungal infections, leading to plant decline and potential death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Lysimachia congestiflora is not known to be toxic to cats. There are no documented adverse effects associated with ingestion of this plant by felines.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific safety precautions are required for cats that may come into contact with or ingest this plant.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Lysimachia congestiflora is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no documented adverse effects associated with ingestion of this plant by canines.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific safety precautions are required for dogs that may come into contact with or ingest this plant.
Humans
Non-toxic

Lysimachia congestiflora is not known to exhibit toxic properties in humans. It is generally considered safe for consumption in culinary or medicinal applications.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific safety precautions are required for human consumption or handling of this plant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Lysimachia congestiflora invasive?

A: It can be aggressive in suitable conditions but is generally manageable with proper care.

Q: Does it require full sun?

A: It thrives in partial shade to full shade, making it ideal for woodland gardens.

Q: Can it be grown indoors?

A: It is primarily an outdoor plant but can be grown indoors with sufficient light and humidity.

Quick Reference
Family: Primulaceae
Care: easy
Light: partial shade to full shade
Water: every 7–10 days, allowing so
Suitable For: ["beginners","busy people (low maintenance)","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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