Creeping Jenny

Lysimachia nummularia

Characteristics

Culture

Creeping Jenny grows easily in moist, humus-rich, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Plants prefer some part afternoon shade in East Texas, but flowers and foliage of yellow-leaved cultivars usually show best yellow color in full sun. Creeping Jenny spreads by rhizomes and self-seeding in optimum growing conditions to form large colonies. Stems may root where leaf nodes touch the ground. Plants tend to be less invasive if grown in lean, somewhat dry soils, however best performance is in moist fertile soils. Best yellow color in full sun. Foliage is lime green in shade.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Lysimachia nummularia, commonly called moneywort or creeping Jenny, is a low-growing, creeping ground cover which forms a leafy mat only 2-4″ tall. Roots where leaf nodes come in contact with the soil. Thrives in damp soils which will often kill off other types of ground covers. It features rounded, slightly ruffled, leaves (to 3/4″ diameter). Profuse, cup-shaped, bright yellow flowers (to 3/4″ across) appear in early summer. Tolerates limited foot traffic. It is native to Europe, but has naturalized in parts of eastern North America.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Lysimachia is susceptible to rust and leaf spots.  Plants should be closely monitored to avoid unwanted spread.  “Aurea’ has yellow leaves. Yellow foliage has been known to revert to the green color of the species.

Garden Uses

Planter boxes and containers as a trailing annual because of its quick growth, round leaves and cheery green or golden foliage color. Groundcover. Between stepping stones. Cascading over rocks or ledges. Water gardens.

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Courtesy of Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder