How to Grow Creeping Jenny
If you’re dreaming of a lush, layered garden that’s as easygoing as a summer afternoon, let me introduce you to one of my favorite trailing plants: creeping jenny, the common name for moneywort.
This hardy little plant is a true garden workhorse. Whether you’re looking to brighten up a shady corner or fill in those bare spots between stepping stones, creeping jenny delivers with its vibrant green (or golden) leaves and low-maintenance charm.
I personally love to use it in my containers where I use the thriller, filler, and spiller method. It’s a winning spiller choice every time! See how I use a “spiller” in my How to Plant Flowers in a Container post. I always like to use a plant that has that bright lime color, so planting creeping jenny is a perfect way to do that! Another favorite is the sweet potato vine, so sometimes I rotate between the two.
Today, I’m walking you through how to grow, prune, and propagate creeping jenny, so you can enjoy its beauty in your own backyard.
Why You’ll Love Golden Creeping Jenny
- Vibrant Color: The chartreuse, lime or golden yellow foliage brings a fresh pop to any landscape.
- Low-Maintenance: It practically thrives on neglect.
- Versatile: Perfect for ground cover, containers, or even cascading over rock walls.
- Fast Growing: Fills in bare spots in no time.
- Inexpensive and Perennial: I can usually find a plant of creeping jenny for less than $5, and since it comes back every year, it’s a teeny investment!
How to Grow Creeping Jenny
Growing creeping jenny is simple and beginner-friendly. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Choose the Right Spot
Creeping jenny loves partial shade to full sun. In hotter climates, a little afternoon shade will keep its leaves from scorching.
2. Prepare the Soil
Plant in well-draining soil. This plant isn’t too picky but does best in soil that’s rich and moist, yet well-drained soils. If you have heavy clay, consider mixing it with compost.
3. Planting Tips
- Space plants about 12-18 inches apart.
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball.
- Set the plant at the same depth it was growing in the pot.
- Water thoroughly after planting.
4. Watering Needs
While creeping jenny is fairly drought-tolerant once established, it prefers consistently damp soil. Water deeply once a week or more during dry spells. I love my container with a deep reservoir because it keeps my plants hydrated and I don’t have to water every day!
5. Mulching
Add a layer of mulch around the plants to retain moisture and keep weeds at bay.
How to Prune Creeping Jenny
Pruning creeping jenny (botanical name: Lysimachia nummularia) is as easy as pie. Seriously! Here’s how:
- Trim back runners that wander where you don’t want them.
- Shear it lightly in early spring to encourage fuller growth.
- Remove dead or damaged foliage as needed.
This helps keep your creeping jenny looking neat and prevents it from overtaking nearby plants.
How to Propagate Creeping Jenny
Want even more creeping jenny without spending extra money? You can easily propagate it!
1. Division
In early spring or fall, dig up a clump and gently separate the roots. Replant the divisions where you want new growth.
2. Stem Cuttings
Snip a few healthy stems and place them in a glass of water. Roots will develop in a couple of weeks. Once they have a good root system, transplant them into soil.
3. Layering
Press a stem into the soil while it’s still attached to the parent plant. It will root right there! Once rooted, you can cut it free and move it to a new spot.
A Few Extra Tips
- Creeping jenny can be aggressive in some areas. Keep an eye on it and prune regularly. But if it gets out of hand, it’s easy to pull up and remove.
- It’s a fantastic spiller in container gardens. Pair it with upright plants for a lush and balanced look.
- In colder zones (Zones 3-9), it’s typically hardy and will return year after year. Yay!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for an easy, breezy way to add a cozy, gathered feel to your garden, creeping jenny is a real gem. Its vibrant color, fast growth, and forgiving nature make it perfect for busy homebodies who still want a little garden magic.
Have you grown creeping jenny before? I’d love to hear your tips and favorite ways to use it in the comments!
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