Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia), also known as Moneywort, is a fast-growing perennial plant commonly used around ponds, waterfalls, streams, and fountains. Its trailing stems, rounded leaves, and small yellow flowers make it an attractive groundcover for softening rock edges and adding greenery around water features.
Benefits of creeping Jenny
- Natural appearance: Cascades over rocks and along pond edges, helping soften the appearance of stone.
- Moisture tolerance: Thrives in moist soil and shallow water, making it suitable for pond margins.
- Low-growing coverage: Spreads horizontally to fill gaps between rocks and surrounding plants.
- Seasonal color: Produces small yellow flowers during the summer.
Growing conditions
For healthy growth, creeping Jenny prefers:
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade.
- Soil: Consistently moist or wet soil.
- Water depth: Shallow water up to approximately 1–2 in. (2.5–5 cm), depending on growing conditions.
- Growth habit: Low-growing, spreading perennial with trailing stems.
Creeping Jenny can be planted along pond edges, between rocks, or in containers where its foliage can trail toward the water.
Controlling creeping Jenny
Creeping Jenny spreads rapidly and can become invasive in some areas.
- Trim regularly to prevent excessive spreading.
- Remove unwanted stems and rooted sections.
- Keep plant fragments from entering natural waterways.
- Check local regulations before planting, as creeping Jenny may be restricted or considered invasive in certain locations.
Because of its aggressive growth, creeping Jenny is best used where its spread can be contained and regularly maintained.