Creeping Jenny

How to care for Creeping Jenny

Light

Creeping Jenny tolerates a wide range of light levels but grows best in bright, indirect light or dappled shade. Indoors, a position near a north- or east-facing window is suitable. In stronger direct sun the foliage can scorch, particularly the golden-leaved cultivar 'Aurea', which needs some protection from harsh midday light. Insufficient light causes stems to become leggy and the yellow-green colouration to fade.

Watering

This plant prefers consistently moist compost and should never be allowed to dry out completely between waterings. Water thoroughly, then allow excess to drain freely to prevent waterlogging and root rot. Reduce watering frequency slightly in winter when growth slows, but do not let the compost dry out entirely. Tap water left to stand overnight is preferable in hard-water areas.

Soil and potting

Use a moisture-retentive but well-draining compost such as a peat-free multi-purpose mix enriched with additional perlite or coarse grit (roughly 3:1 compost to grit). Good drainage is essential to prevent the soggy conditions that encourage root rot, whilst the humus content ensures the plant retains enough moisture between waterings. A slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0 is ideal.

Feeding

Feed with a balanced, diluted liquid fertiliser (NPK approximately 10-10-10) once a month during the active growing season from spring through early autumn. Avoid over-feeding, as excessive nitrogen encourages lush but weak growth at the expense of the compact trailing habit. No feeding is necessary during winter when the plant is resting.

Humidity and temperature

Lysimachia nummularia performs well in moderate to high humidity and appreciates the ambient moisture common in kitchens or bathrooms. It is notably cold-tolerant for a houseplant, surviving temperatures as low as 5 C, which makes it suitable for unheated rooms and conservatories. It dislikes temperatures above 24 to 25 C for extended periods and should be kept away from hot radiators or draughts from air-conditioning units.

Repotting

Repot in spring when roots begin to emerge from the drainage holes or the plant is visibly pot-bound, typically every one to two years. Move up one pot size (2 to 3 cm larger in diameter) and refresh the compost entirely. Handle the shallow, fibrous root system gently to avoid tearing. Terracotta pots are beneficial as they allow moisture to evaporate through the sides, reducing the risk of waterlogging.

Pruning

Trim trailing stems regularly to maintain a tidy appearance and encourage branching. Cut stems back by up to one-third using clean scissors or secateurs, making cuts just above a leaf node. Remove any dead, yellowing or damaged stems promptly to keep the plant healthy and improve air circulation. Pruning is best carried out in spring or early summer, and removed stem sections can be used for propagation.

Is Creeping Jenny toxic?

Common problems

How to propagate

Stem cuttings

Cut healthy stem sections 8 to 12 cm long, remove lower leaves, and place in a glass of water or insert into moist perlite or compost. Roots develop readily within two to three weeks at room temperature.

Division

When repotting in spring, the rootball can be gently divided into two or more sections, each with stems and healthy roots attached. Pot each division individually and water well.

Layering

Trailing stems naturally root where nodes come into contact with moist compost. Pin a stem node down with a hairpin or small stone onto the surface of a pot of damp compost; once roots have formed, sever the stem from the parent plant.

Where Creeping Jenny comes from

Native to Western Europe, Central Europe, parts of Eastern Europe including the Caucasus region.

Story and origins

The genus name Lysimachia is traditionally attributed to the Macedonian king and general Lysimachus (c. 361 to 281 BC), though some authorities suggest it may instead derive from the Greek words 'lysis' (loosening) and 'mache' (strife or battle), referring to the old belief that the plant had a calming effect on oxen. The specific epithet nummularia comes from the Latin 'nummus', meaning coin, and refers to the rounded, coin-shaped leaves that give rise to several of its common names, including Moneywort and Herb Twopence.

Creeping Jenny has long been known in European horticulture and herbalism. The English herbalist John Gerard described it in his Herball of 1597 and recommended it for the treatment of wounds and ulcers. In folklore, the plant was associated with wealth and prosperity on account of its coin-like leaves, and posies of it were sometimes carried as a charm for good fortune. It was introduced to North America by European settlers and by the 19th century had naturalised extensively across the eastern United States and Canada, where it is now considered a problematic weed in riparian and wetland habitats.

Varieties to know

Lysimachia nummularia 'Aurea'

The most widely grown cultivar, with bright golden-yellow foliage that is particularly striking in hanging baskets. Needs slightly more light than the species to maintain its colour.

Lysimachia nummularia (species type)

The straight species has plain mid-green, rounded leaves and is more vigorous and shade-tolerant than 'Aurea'.

Fun facts

• Lysimachia nummularia is classified as an invasive species in parts of North America, particularly in wetland habitats, where it can outcompete native vegetation.
• The plant has been used in traditional European herbal medicine as an astringent and wound-healing remedy, though it is not used medicinally today.
• Creeping Jenny can survive partial submersion in water and is sometimes used as a pond marginal plant in outdoor water gardens.
• Its stems can reach up to 60 cm in length and will root at almost every node that touches moist soil, allowing very rapid vegetative spread.
• Despite being in the family Primulaceae, it was formerly placed in the family Myrsinaceae before molecular studies confirmed its current classification.

Creeping Jenny FAQ