Ever spent hours nurturing a plant only to watch it shrivel up and die? Yeah, me too. That’s why I fell hard for Creeping Jenny – this gorgeous ground cover practically grows itself. I’ve been growing Creeping Jenny in my garden for years, and I’m still amazed at how it transforms boring spaces into golden-green carpets.
In this guide, I’ll share everything I’ve learned about growing Creeping Jenny successfully – from picking the perfect spot to keeping it from taking over your entire yard.
My neighbors constantly ask how I get mine looking so lush when theirs struggles. The secret isn’t complicated, but it does require knowing a few insider tricks that most gardening websites never mention.
AI: Wait until you see what happens when you plant it in hanging baskets…
Creeping Jenny Care
A. Warning
I’ve learned the hard way that Creeping Jenny can be a bit of a garden rebel. While I absolutely love this plant for its vibrant foliage and spreading habit, I need to warn you – it can become invasive if not managed properly. In my experience, the golden variety tends to be slightly less aggressive than the green form, but both require vigilance.
When I first planted Creeping Jenny, I didn’t realize how quickly it would spread. Before I knew it, it was creeping into my lawn and neighboring garden beds. Now I either plant it in containers or use barriers to keep it contained. In some regions, it’s actually considered invasive, so I always recommend checking with your local extension office before adding it to your landscape.
B. Light
I’ve found that Creeping Jenny is pretty adaptable when it comes to light conditions. In my northern garden, it thrives in full sun and rewards me with that gorgeous golden-yellow color that makes it so popular. When I planted some in my partially shaded backyard, the foliage stayed more chartreuse than golden, but the plant still performed beautifully.
In the hottest regions (zones 8 and above), I’ve noticed my Creeping Jenny appreciates afternoon shade to prevent leaf scorch during intense summer heat. The perfect sweet spot in my garden seems to be morning sun with dappled afternoon shade, giving me that perfect golden glow without any burn.
C. Soil
My Creeping Jenny isn’t terribly fussy about soil, which is one reason I love it so much. I’ve had success growing it in average garden soil with decent drainage. That said, I’ve noticed it really thrives in slightly moist, rich soil with plenty of organic matter mixed in.
When I first started growing Creeping Jenny, I amended my clay soil with compost and a bit of sand to improve drainage while retaining some moisture. The plants responded beautifully. One thing I’ve learned – while this plant tolerates a range of soil types, it absolutely hates sitting in waterlogged conditions. If your soil tends to stay soggy, I’d recommend adding more organic matter and perhaps creating a slightly raised bed.
The ideal pH range I aim for is slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.0), though I’ve seen my plants do just fine in soil that leans slightly alkaline too.
D. Water
When it comes to watering my Creeping Jenny, I’ve found consistency is key. I keep the soil evenly moist, especially during the establishment period. Once my plants were settled in, they proved surprisingly adaptable to various moisture conditions.
During hot summer months, I water deeply about twice a week if we don’t get rain. I’ve noticed that inadequate watering causes the foliage to lose some of its vibrant color, so I use that as my indicator. If the leaves start looking a bit dull, it’s time to water.
One of my favorite things about Creeping Jenny is its moderate drought tolerance once established. That said, I’ve learned it definitely prefers consistent moisture to thrive. I never let the soil dry out completely, but I’m also careful not to overwater, which can lead to root rot and other fungal issues.
E. Temperature and Humidity
I’ve found Creeping Jenny to be quite the temperature trooper. It happily survives in my garden through USDA hardiness zones 3-9. In my zone 5 garden, it sails through winter without any special protection, though I’ve noticed the foliage may die back in particularly harsh winters. No worries though – it reliably bounces back in spring with fresh growth.
Humidity hasn’t been a major concern with my Creeping Jenny plants. They’ve performed well in both my relatively dry front yard and the more humid conditions near my garden pond. That versatility is one reason I keep adding it to different spots in my landscape.
During extreme heat waves, I’ve noticed my plants appreciate a bit more water and perhaps some afternoon shade. When temperatures consistently stay above 90°F, I water more frequently and monitor for any signs of stress.
F. Fertilizer
I’m pretty minimal when it comes to fertilizing my Creeping Jenny. Too much fertilizer actually creates excessive growth that I then have to manage more aggressively. I typically give my plants a light application of balanced, slow-release fertilizer (10-10-10) in early spring just as new growth begins.
For my container-grown Creeping Jenny, I use a half-strength liquid fertilizer once a month during the growing season. I’ve found that plants in containers need that little extra boost that garden-planted specimens don’t require.
One fertilizing mistake I made early on was using a high-nitrogen formula. This resulted in lush foliage but at the expense of that compact, dense growth habit that makes Creeping Jenny such an effective ground cover. Now I stick with balanced formulations or even slightly lower nitrogen options if I want to keep growth more controlled.
Types of Creeping Jenny
Golden Creeping Jenny
I’ve been growing creeping jenny for years, and the golden variety is definitely my favorite. Golden creeping jenny (Lysimachia nummularia ‘Aurea’) shows off bright, golden-yellow foliage that creates a stunning contrast against darker plants in my garden. What I love most is how it brightens up shady spots where other colorful plants struggle. In spring and summer, its color is most vibrant, but I’ve noticed it tends to green up a bit in heavy shade or during cooler weather.
Green Creeping Jenny
The original wild type of creeping jenny has rich green foliage and is incredibly vigorous. I use it in areas where I need aggressive ground coverage. It’s a bit more subtle than its golden cousin but just as useful. When I need something to fill in quickly between stepping stones or cover a difficult slope, green creeping jenny is my go-to plant. It’s hardier in extreme conditions and can take more foot traffic than the golden variety.
‘Goldilocks’ Creeping Jenny
‘Goldilocks’ is a compact cultivar I discovered a few years back. It’s perfect for my smaller containers and hanging baskets since it doesn’t spread as aggressively as other types. The leaves are a bit smaller and more densely packed, giving it a more refined appearance. I particularly love how it cascades over the edges of my pots with its bright chartreuse color.
Variegated Creeping Jenny
This is a rarer find that I treasure in my garden. Variegated creeping jenny shows off leaves with green and white patterns that add interesting texture to container plantings. I’ve found it’s slightly less vigorous than the solid-colored varieties, which actually makes it easier to control. The variegation is most pronounced when I grow it in partial shade rather than full sun.
Choosing the Right Type
I select my creeping jenny varieties based on specific garden needs:
| Type | Best Uses | Growth Rate | Preferred Light |
|---|---|---|---|
| Golden | Bright accents, shade gardens | Fast | Part shade to sun |
| Green | Ground cover, erosion control | Very fast | Sun to shade |
| ‘Goldilocks’ | Containers, small spaces | Moderate | Part shade to sun |
| Variegated | Specialty gardens, accents | Moderate | Partial shade |
Pruning
I’ve been growing Creeping Jenny for years and let me tell you – regular pruning is absolutely crucial if you want to keep this vigorous little plant looking its best. Without proper trimming, it can quickly take over your garden beds or containers and start looking messy.
When to Prune Creeping Jenny
Timing is everything with Creeping Jenny pruning. I typically do my major pruning sessions in early spring and mid-summer. In spring, I trim back any winter damage and shape the plant before its main growing season kicks in. That mid-summer trim helps keep it from spreading where I don’t want it and maintains its attractive appearance.
For my golden varieties, I’ve noticed they look particularly vibrant after a light trim, which encourages fresh, brightly colored growth.
Pruning Techniques
I’ve developed a few simple but effective techniques for pruning my Creeping Jenny:
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For regular maintenance, I just grab a pair of clean, sharp scissors and trim back any long or straggly stems. Nothing fancy needed!
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When it’s growing too enthusiastically (which happens a lot), I use my garden shears to give it a more substantial haircut, taking it back by about one-third.
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If I want to be really thorough, I sometimes use my hand to gently rake through the plant, pulling out any dead or discolored stems.
I’ve found that after pruning, my Creeping Jenny bounces back incredibly quickly – usually within a week or two, it’s already putting out fresh new growth.
Controlling Spread
This is where pruning becomes essential. I’ve learned the hard way that Creeping Jenny doesn’t understand boundaries! Now I regularly trim the edges of my patches, cutting back stems that venture too far.
For my container plants, I trim any stems that cascade too far down the sides – though I do love the waterfall effect they create, so I don’t go too crazy with cutting them back.
In areas where I want to completely remove Creeping Jenny, I’ve found that aggressive pruning followed by digging out the roots is the only effective approach. Those little roots can regenerate from tiny fragments, so I’m super thorough when removing them.
Propagating Creeping Jenny
By Division or Stem Cuttings
I’ve found that propagating Creeping Jenny is actually one of the easiest things ever. The plant practically wants to multiply! After growing this golden beauty for years, I’ve perfected a few methods that work like a charm.
My favorite way to propagate Creeping Jenny is through division. In spring, I simply dig up an established plant, gently tease apart the root ball, and replant the sections. Each division quickly takes off on its own. I make sure each section has some healthy roots attached – they’ll establish much faster this way.
Stem cuttings work amazingly well too. I just snip 4-6 inch sections of stem, remove the lower leaves, and stick them directly into moist soil. No rooting hormone needed! I keep the soil consistently damp for about two weeks, and those cuttings root like nobody’s business.
From Seeds
I’ve tried growing Creeping Jenny from seeds too, though I’ll admit it’s not my go-to method. Seeds can be started indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last frost. I sprinkle them on top of seed-starting mix and barely cover them, since they need light to germinate.
The germination process can be a bit slow and spotty, taking anywhere from 14-21 days. I’ve found keeping the soil temperature around 65-70°F helps speed things up. Once seedlings develop a few true leaves, I thin them out and eventually transplant them outdoors.
Water Propagation
This might be the most fun method! I simply place stem cuttings in a glass of water, making sure a few nodes are submerged. Within a week or two, tiny white roots emerge. Once those roots reach about an inch long, I plant them in soil.
I’ve discovered that water-propagated cuttings sometimes take a bit longer to adjust to soil, so I keep them extra moist for the first couple weeks after transplanting. The success rate is nearly 100% with this method, and I love watching the roots develop in the water.
How to Grow Creeping Jenny From Seed
Starting Creeping Jenny from Seeds
I’ve found that growing Creeping Jenny from seed is a rewarding process, though it requires a bit of patience. Unlike propagation from cuttings, seed-starting gives me that special satisfaction of nurturing a plant from its very beginning.
Collecting Seeds
First things first – I collect seeds from my mature Creeping Jenny plants after they’ve flowered. The tiny yellow flowers eventually develop into small seed pods. I wait until these pods turn brown and begin to split open before carefully harvesting them.
Seed Preparation
Before planting, I soak my Creeping Jenny seeds overnight in lukewarm water. This helps soften the seed coat and kickstarts germination. I’ve noticed this simple step improves my germination rates significantly.
Planting Time
I typically sow Creeping Jenny seeds in early spring. However, I’ve had success starting them indoors about 8-10 weeks before the last frost date in my area.
Sowing Method
I use a seed-starting tray filled with a good quality, well-draining seed starting mix. Then I:
- Sprinkle the tiny seeds on top of the soil
- Press them lightly into the surface without covering them
- Mist the soil surface gently to avoid displacing the seeds
- Cover the tray with plastic wrap to maintain humidity
The seeds need light to germinate, so I don’t bury them under soil.
Germination Care
I place my seed trays in a warm spot with bright, indirect sunlight. The seeds typically germinate within 2-3 weeks when I keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
Transplanting Seedlings
Once my seedlings develop their second set of true leaves, I transplant them into individual pots. I’m careful to handle them by their leaves rather than the delicate stems.
Hardening Off
Before moving my seedlings outdoors permanently, I gradually acclimate them to outdoor conditions. I start by placing them outside for a few hours each day, gradually increasing their exposure over a week.
Potting and Repotting Creeping Jenny
The Right Container Matters
I’ve found that choosing the right pot for my Creeping Jenny makes a huge difference in its growth. These plants love to spread, so I always pick containers that give them plenty of room to cascade down the sides. For my golden varieties, I love using hanging baskets or window boxes where their chartreuse foliage can truly shine as it spills over.
When potting Creeping Jenny, I make sure the container has adequate drainage holes. These plants hate sitting in water, and I’ve lost more than one to root rot before I learned this lesson!
Potting Mix for Success
The soil mix is super important for container-grown Creeping Jenny. I create a custom blend that’s:
- Lightweight
- Well-draining
- Moderately fertile
My go-to recipe is:
- 2 parts regular potting soil
- 1 part perlite or pumice
- 1 part compost
This mix keeps my plants happy by providing nutrients while ensuring excess water drains away quickly.
When It’s Time to Repot
I know it’s time to repot my Creeping Jenny when:
- Roots are circling the bottom of the pot or poking out of drainage holes
- Growth seems stunted despite proper care
- The plant dries out too quickly after watering
- The pot becomes top-heavy and keeps falling over
I typically repot every 2-3 years, but sometimes sooner if my plant is particularly vigorous. Spring is my favorite time to tackle this job, just as new growth begins.
My Repotting Process
When repotting, I gently remove the plant, trim back any dead or overly circling roots, and place it in a container that’s 1-2 inches larger than the previous one. I don’t go too big too fast – that’s a mistake I made early on that led to waterlogged soil and unhappy plants.
After repotting, I water thoroughly and place the container in a slightly shaded spot for a few days to help it recover from the shock. Works like a charm every time!
Common Diseases
Common Diseases to Watch Out For
I’ve been growing Creeping Jenny for years, and while it’s generally hardy, a few diseases can affect this beautiful ground cover. Understanding these issues has saved my plants countless times.
Leaf Spot Diseases
Leaf spots have plagued my Creeping Jenny on occasion, especially during humid summers. I first notice small brown or black spots on the leaves that gradually expand. When I see this happening, I immediately remove affected leaves and reduce overhead watering. Fungicides have helped me in severe cases, but improving air circulation by thinning out dense growth works wonders as a preventative measure.
Root Rot
The first time I encountered root rot in my Creeping Jenny, I almost lost an entire patch. The telltale signs? Yellowing leaves and stunted growth, with roots turning mushy and brown. I’ve learned my lesson about overwatering! Now I ensure proper drainage in all my Creeping Jenny beds and containers. If I catch root rot early, I dig up affected plants, trim the damaged roots, and replant in fresh, well-draining soil.
Powdery Mildew
That white, powdery coating on leaves has shown up in my garden during hot, humid weather with poor air circulation. My go-to solution is a simple mixture of one tablespoon baking soda, one tablespoon horticultural oil, and one gallon of water sprayed on affected areas. I’ve found that spacing plants properly and watering at the soil level rather than on foliage helps prevent this issue altogether.
Rust
Orange-brown pustules on the undersides of leaves mean rust has taken hold. I’ve successfully treated mild cases by removing affected foliage and applying a sulfur-based fungicide. Keeping the foliage dry has been my best prevention strategy.
Growing Creeping Jenny can transform your garden with its vibrant foliage and cascading habit. I’ve shared everything you need to know about caring for this versatile ground cover, from understanding the different varieties to mastering the art of pruning and propagation. Whether you’re starting from seed or repotting established plants, the techniques I’ve outlined will help you achieve lush, healthy growth that enhances any landscape design.
I hope this guide inspires you to add Creeping Jenny to your garden collection. Remember that vigilance against common diseases and regular maintenance will keep your plants thriving year after year. With its adaptability and low-maintenance nature, Creeping Jenny rewards even novice gardeners with stunning results. Start implementing these tips today, and watch as this golden-green beauty becomes a standout feature in your outdoor space!
