Lysimachia nummularia (Creeping jenny) - Marginal Pond Plants - MP073

Lysimachia nummularia, commonly known as Creeping Jenny, is a low-growing perennial that is native to Europe and Asia. Known for its vibrant green foliage and trailing growth habit, Creeping Jenny is often used as a ground cover in moist, shaded, or damp areas, including water gardens, pond margins, and bog gardens.

Description

Lysimachia nummularia typically grows to a height of 15–30 cm (6–12 inches) and spreads widely to form a dense, creeping mat. The leaves are round or kidney-shaped, bright green in the spring and summer, turning golden-yellow in autumn. The plant produces small, cup-shaped yellow flowers in late spring to early summer, typically from May to June. The flowers grow in clusters at the tips of the stems and are attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Creeping Jenny is a vigorous, fast-growing plant that can quickly spread across garden beds, making it an excellent choice for ground cover. Its dense, spreading habit helps suppress weeds and provides a lush carpet of foliage. The plant also has an attractive, cascading growth habit, which works well in hanging baskets, containers, or as a trailing plant in water features.

Growing Conditions

Lysimachia nummularia thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil. It is ideal for planting along pond edges, in bog gardens, or in damp meadows where the soil remains consistently moist. Creeping Jenny can tolerate some standing water up to 5 cm (2 inches) deep, making it a great addition to shallow water gardens or wetland areas. It is a hardy plant that can survive in cooler climates and is well-suited for the UK.

Propagation and Care

Propagation of Lysimachia nummularia is typically done through division or by rooting cuttings. The plant can be divided in early spring or autumn, and new plants can be easily established by simply planting sections of its creeping stems. While it is low-maintenance, regular division helps maintain its compactness and prevents it from becoming too invasive. Creeping Jenny may also benefit from occasional trimming to keep its growth in check and encourage fresh growth.

Uses

Creeping Jenny is widely used as a ground cover in water gardens, pond margins, bog gardens, and as part of naturalistic landscaping. Its trailing habit makes it an excellent choice for softening the edges of ponds, cascading down rocks, or spilling over the sides of containers. In addition to its ornamental uses, Creeping Jenny can help reduce soil erosion in wetland environments by stabilising the ground with its dense, spreading roots.

Ecological Value

Lysimachia nummularia provides several ecological benefits. Its dense growth helps stabilise soil, preventing erosion along water margins and wetland areas. The plant also offers shelter and habitat for small wildlife, while its flowers provide nectar for pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and other insects. Creeping Jenny's ability to thrive in moist environments helps improve the overall health of water gardens by preventing soil erosion and promoting water retention in garden beds.

Considerations

While Creeping Jenny is a valuable and versatile plant, it is also a very aggressive grower and can spread rapidly, making it potentially invasive in garden settings. To prevent it from overtaking other plants, it should be carefully managed by controlling its spread, particularly in smaller garden areas. Regular division and careful placement in wet areas can help keep its growth in check.

With its bright foliage, trailing habit, and ability to thrive in moist environments, Lysimachia nummularia is an excellent addition to water gardens, bog gardens, and shaded damp areas. Its rapid growth, ability to suppress weeds, and ecological benefits make it a versatile and valuable plant for both ornamental and practical purposes.

Why Choose Lysimachia nummularia (Creeping Jenny)?

Lysimachia nummularia, commonly known as Creeping Jenny, is a fast-growing and low-maintenance perennial that brings vibrant green or golden foliage and charming flowers to water gardens, bogs, and damp landscapes. Its sprawling habit and cheerful appearance make it an excellent choice for ground cover in wet areas.

1. Vibrant Foliage

• Features round, glossy leaves that are typically green, but the cultivar 'Aurea' produces striking golden-yellow leaves.
• The foliage provides a lush carpet-like groundcover, making it a perfect choice for filling in gaps along pond edges or moist garden areas.
• The vibrant green or golden foliage offers a bright contrast to other plants in the landscape.

2. Charming Yellow Flowers

• Produces small, cup-shaped yellow flowers in late spring to early summer, adding a soft and cheerful touch to your water or wetland garden.
• The flowers attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, helping to support local wildlife.

3. Ideal for Wet and Moist Environments

• Thrives in moist to wet soil and shallow water, making it an ideal choice for planting along pond edges, wet meadows, or in bog gardens.
• Grows well in full sun to partial shade, though golden cultivars like 'Aurea' will thrive best with some afternoon shade to protect from sunburn.

4. Low Maintenance and Hardy

• Creeping Jenny is a hardy perennial that requires minimal care once established.
• Its rapid growth habit makes it an excellent choice for quickly covering damp areas and providing ground cover, while its low-maintenance nature makes it easy to grow.

5. Spreading Groundcover

• Lysimachia nummularia forms a dense, spreading mat, perfect for preventing soil erosion along pond banks and wetland areas.
• Its ability to quickly spread makes it an excellent choice for naturalistic water gardens and damp landscapes, where its ground-hugging habit can help stabilize soil and reduce weed growth.

6. Wildlife-Friendly

• The small yellow flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
• Provides shelter for small creatures, such as frogs and insects, creating a supportive environment in your pond or garden.

7. Versatile Design Use

• Ideal for water gardens, bog gardens, and pond edges, where its vibrant foliage and spreading habit can help create a soft, natural look.
• Works well in moist border plantings or containers, adding texture and a pop of color. Its trailing stems make it an excellent ground cover or spiller in hanging baskets.

Key Features

• Height: 15–20cm (6–8 inches)
• Foliage: Green or golden-yellow, round, glossy leaves
• Flowers: Small, yellow cup-shaped blooms in late spring to early summer
• Soil: Moist to wet soil or shallow water
• Light: Full sun to partial shade

Lysimachia nummularia (Creeping Jenny) is an excellent choice for adding texture, color, and charm to your water garden or wetland landscape. Its vibrant foliage, charming yellow flowers, and low-maintenance nature make it a versatile and practical addition to any garden.