Creeping Jenny
lysimachia nummularia
Also known as: ["Moneywort","Herb Twopence","Creeping Charlie (misnomer)"]
Overview
A low-growing, spreading perennial with round, coin-like leaves and bright yellow flowers, often used as a ground cover.
Benefits & Perks
["ground cover","drought tolerant","shade tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Ericales |
| Family: | Primulaceae |
| Genus: | Lysimachia |
| Botanical Name: | Lysimachia nummularia |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Ground Covers
- Suitable Location: ground cover in shaded garden beds or hanging baskets
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, but beneficial during dry periods
- Drainage: Moderate to well-draining; avoid heavy, water-retentive soils.
- Soil Type: Rich, well-draining soil with organic matter; peat-based mix works well.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Every 2–3 months or as needed to control spread and shape.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; trim back up to one-third of the plant to encourage new growth.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 4–6 hours daily; tolerates partial shade; adjust for intense summer sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense light; protect from direct midday sun to prevent scorching; place in filtered light indoors or dappled shade outdoors.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
partial shade to full shade
Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid direct sun in summer.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; avoid letting roots sit in water; adjust based on season and environment.
Soil
moist, fertile, well-draining soil with organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use a mix with good water retention but not waterlogging; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter.
Temperature
Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates mild fluctuations; avoid extreme cold or heat.
Avoid sudden temperature changes; keep away from heating/cooling vents; maintain moderate indoor temps.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring and summer)
Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; fertilize during active growth; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings root easily in water or soil.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Place in water or soil.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.
Medium
Well-draining soil mix or water; peat and perlite can be added for aeration.
Hormone
Optional but can speed up rooting; rooting powder or gel may be used.
Timeline
Roots develop in 2–4 weeks; new growth appears in 4–6 weeks.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone (optional), small pots or containers, water or soil mix.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep cuttings out of direct sun; change water regularly if using water propagation.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips or cut stems just above a leaf node; shear for even growth.
Pruning Plan
Regular pruning to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth; remove leggy or dead stems.
Tools
Pruning shears, sharp scissors, or your fingers for small stems.
Checklist
Use clean tools; prune to shape; remove dead or damaged growth; avoid over-pruning.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
Choose a pot 1–2 inches larger in diameter than the current one.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; place in a new pot with fresh soil; water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 1–2 years or when roots fill the pot; helps refresh soil and provide space for growth.
Checklist
Select appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water evenly; ensure proper drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, ensuring even moisture distribution; focus on the root zone; water in the morning to reduce evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry; increase frequency in hot, dry conditions; reduce in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or leaf drop; buds may fail to open.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, causes leaf discoloration, and may lead to root damage in freezing conditions.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; insulate pots; avoid placing near drafty windows or cold surfaces.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; growth may slow due to excessive heat.
Solution: Provide shade; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding.
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
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest Lysimachia nummularia. While the plant is not highly toxic, it is advisable to prevent consumption to avoid potential discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Lysimachia nummularia can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The plant is not considered highly toxic, but consumption should be avoided to prevent discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicLysimachia nummularia, commonly known as creeping Jenny, contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress when ingested in significant quantities. The plant's effects are generally not severe but can be unpleasant.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Creeping Jenny invasive?
A: Yes, it can be invasive in suitable conditions and may spread aggressively.
Q: Does Creeping Jenny require full sun?
A: It tolerates partial shade to full shade, though flowering may be reduced in deep shade.
Q: Can Creeping Jenny be grown indoors?
A: It is primarily an outdoor plant but can be grown indoors in a hanging basket or container with bright indirect light.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Primulaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | partial shade to full shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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