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 want to brighten up a shady corner or fill the bare spots between stepping stones, creeping jenny delivers with its vibrant green (or golden) leaves and low-maintenance charm.
I love using it in my containers, where I follow the thriller, filler, and spiller method. It's a winning spiller every time! See how I use a "spiller" in my How to Plant Flowers in a Container post. I always reach for a plant with that bright lime color, so creeping jenny is a perfect fit! Another favorite is sweet potato vine, so I sometimes 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 spilling 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 it in well-draining soil. This plant isn't too picky, but it does best in soil that's rich and moist yet well-drained. If you have heavy clay, consider mixing in some 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
Once established, creeping jenny is fairly drought-tolerant, but 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 hold in 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 keeps your creeping jenny looking neat and stops it from taking over 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 wherever you want new growth.
2. Stem Cuttings
Snip a few healthy stems and place them in a glass of water. Roots will form 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 it's 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, 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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