Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia) is an evergreen perennial, which is native to Europe and Asia. It is an attractive ground cover with round, golden-green leaves and yellow flowers. While it does prefer partial shade, it can tolerate moderate amounts of sunlight as long as it is not in a high-heat situation.
Generally, it does best in dappled shade, and in areas that get full sun, it will likely need extra water and regular mulching to help it survive. When propagating the plant, choose the sunnier side when deciding the orientation, as this will give the plant more access to sunlight.
Also, creeping Jenny must not be too dry or too wet, as this can damage the roots, so a well-drained, moist soil is necessary.
Is creeping Jenny heat tolerant?
Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia) is an evergreen bitter herbaceous perennial that is known for its rapid growth and attractive foliage along with its tolerance to a range of growing conditions.
It is a hardy plant that can handle temperatures as low as -20F (-29C). It also can tolerate hot areas and is able to adapt to both partial shade and full sun. In its native habitat, Creeping Jenny typically grows in moist woodland areas where it can receive ample hydration and direct sunlight.
This means that it should be able to tolerate high heat in most parts of the United States. However, when grown in areas with high temperatures or in full sun, it does need supplemental watering to avoid wilting and drying out during the hotter months.
Will creeping Jenny come back every year?
Yes, creeping Jenny (also known as Lysimachia nummularia) can come back every year as long as the proper conditions are maintained. It is a perennial, meaning it will grow back year after year as long as it is planted in an area suited for its growth requirements.
This includes well-draining, neutral to slightly acidic soil, in partial shade to full sun. If the plant is located in a spot that does not meet these requirements, it might not come back the following year.
How quickly does creeping Jenny spread?
Creeping Jenny, also known by its scientific name, Lysimachia nummularia, is an evergreen perennial that spreads quickly through underground stems or runners. It can reproduce vegetatively, meaning it doesn’t need to flower or be pollinated to spread.
It can spread through planting or by self-sowing, which is when it drops seeds that then sprout and form new plants.
Creeping Jenny can spread rapidly, especially when planted in moist soil conditions. It can form dense mats that can smother out other plants in the garden. Under ideal conditions, it may cover an entire area within a few years.
Which is why it is important to contain this plant by planting it in an area where it will not easily spread or by putting it in a pot or container.
What looks good with creeping Jenny?
Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia) is a beautiful, evergreen, perennial ground cover that makes an attractive addition to any garden or outdoor space. It is known for its bright, chartreuse color, small kidney-shaped leaves, and delicate, trailing stems.
When deciding what to pair with Creeping Jenny, you should consider plants that have similar growing habits and can potentially complement the color of the Creeping Jenny. Consider combining it with other sun-loving plants, such as lavender, rosemary, and alyssum.
These all have refreshing fragrances and grow to a similar size and shape as the Creeping Jenny. Another complementary color combination is to pair the Creeping Jenny with pink and white blooms, such as dianthus, Johnny jump-ups, and phlox.
These contrast nicely with the bright yellow-green of the Creeping Jenny. You can also consider adding contrasting textures with plants like black mondo grass, or contrast the height with plants such as sweet woodruff, orasmantha.
Can you walk on Creeping Jenny?
Yes, you can walk on Creeping Jenny. This low-growing perennial herbaceous plant is often used as a groundcover in ornamental gardens, and due to its low-growing nature, it can easily withstand a light foot traffic.
Its dense, emerald green foliage is held close to the ground, providing a soft, inviting cushioning effect. Additionally, its succulent, creeping stems and rootlets help to keep the surface stable while you walk across.
Be sure to use caution when walking on Creeping Jenny, as it’s delicate foliage can easily be removed by pushing too hard with your feet.
What’s the difference between creeping Charlie and creeping Jenny?
The two plants, creeping Charlie (Glechoma hederacea) and creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia), are both members of the Plantaginaceae family and are commonly used as a groundcover in landscaping. The main distinction between the two plants is the leaves; creeping Charlie has round, scalloped leaves with a textured surface, while creeping Jenny has heart-shaped, flat leaves.
Additionally, creeping Charlie has a more aggressive growth habit and is a faster growing plant than creeping Jenny. In terms of color, creeping Charlie can have green, purple, or variegated leaves, while the flowers of both species appear similarly, in clusters of white or yellow.
Creeping Charlie and Jenny can both tolerate a variety of soil pH levels, and both will thrive in moist conditions. Ultimately, the choice between the two plants depends on the desired aesthetic and the required maintenance, as creeping Charlie requires regular maintenance to keep it in check, while creeping Jenny requires very little maintenance once established.
How do you care for a creeping Jenny?
Caring for Creeping Jenny is fairly easy, as long as it is planted in the right environment. Generally, they do best in indirect light or partial shade, colder climates, and well-drained soil. When planting, ensure that you mix in plenty of good quality, organic soil and compost for moisture retention.
When watering Creeping Jenny, it is important not to overwater it as it could lead to root-rot. Instead, water when the top few inches of the soil gets dry. Additionally, Creeping Jenny will appreciate having a balanced liquid fertilizer applied to the soil once a month during the growing season.
It is important to make sure the Creeping Jenny does not dry out too much between waterings, as this can cause foliar damage. Additionally, periodically checking for pests and giving the plant some medicinal plant baths can help control them as needed.
Trimming away dead stems/leaves/flowers (deadheading) will also help keep the plant looking tidy and healthy, as well as promote faster growth. Finally, mulching around the plant can help conserve moisture, moderate soil temperatures, and reduce the need for weeding.
Does creeping Jenny like lots of water?
Yes, creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia) does like a lot of water. This is especially true when it is first planted and when it is actively growing. It does not need to be continually saturated but should be watered regularly.
This could mean watering once a week or once every other week depending on the weather and soil drainage. When mature and established, creeping Jenny will tolerate some drought, though regular watering is still recommended when it is hot and dry.
To check if your creeping Jenny needs water, check the soil; it should always feel damp several inches below the surface.
Why is my creeping Jenny drying out?
There can be a few reasons why your creeping Jenny is drying out. The main reasons are lack of water, lack of nutrients, too much sunlight, and pests or disease.
Lack of water: Creeping Jenny likes consistently moist soil, so make sure you are regularly watering the plant and providing sufficient water. Water once or twice a week and ensure that the soil is never too dry.
Lack of nutrients: Creeping Jenny needs plenty of nutrients in the soil. You should add a balanced fertilizer to the soil a couple times a month to provide the needed nutrients.
Too much sunlight: Creeping Jenny prefers bright, indirect sunlight and too much direct sunlight can cause the plant to dry out. Move the plant to a shadier spot if necessary.
Pests or disease: Finally, it’s possible that your creeping Jenny is drying out due to pests or disease. Common pests include aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites. Common diseases include root rot and powdery mildew.
If the pest or disease infestation is too severe, you may need to replace the plant.
