Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia) is a low-growing, trailing perennial plant native to Europe but now widely cultivated across the world. It belongs to the Primulaceae family and is beloved for its vigorous spreading habit and bright, cheerful foliage. Its common name comes from the way it creeps along the ground, rooting at its nodes as it spreads.
The plant features round to heart-shaped leaves that are small and coin-like — hence its Latin species name nummularia, meaning “coin.” The most popular cultivar, ‘Aurea,’ boasts vivid chartreuse-yellow leaves that brighten garden beds and containers dramatically. Small, cup-shaped yellow flowers appear in summer, adding a delicate charm to its already attractive foliage.
Creeping Jenny is a fast-spreading ground cover that hugs the soil closely, typically reaching only 2–4 inches in height while spreading up to 2 feet or more. It thrives along slopes, pond edges, rock gardens, and hanging baskets, where its trailing stems can cascade freely. Its dense mat-forming habit makes it excellent at suppressing weeds.
It is a highly adaptable plant that grows well in USDA hardiness zones 3–9. It tolerates a wide range of conditions — from full sun to partial shade — though the golden ‘Aurea’ variety retains its bright color best with some sunlight. It prefers moist, well-drained soils and is particularly well-suited to rain gardens and areas near water features.
Gardeners use Creeping Jenny as a ground cover, a spiller in container arrangements, and a pond-side accent plant. It pairs beautifully with hostas, ferns, and ornamental grasses. Its reflective golden foliage can brighten shady corners of a garden where few other plants perform as well.
While it is a wonderful plant, Creeping Jenny can become invasive in certain regions, especially near natural waterways, as it spreads aggressively. The green-leaved species is considered invasive in parts of North America, so it is worth checking local regulations. Regular trimming keeps it contained and looking tidy throughout the growing season.
How to Grow Creeping Jenny from Seeds
- Source quality seeds — Purchase Lysimachia nummularia seeds from a reputable supplier, as fresh, viable seeds will give you the best germination rates.
- Time your sowing — Start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before the last expected frost date in spring, so seedlings are ready to transplant when outdoor conditions are warm enough.
- Prepare your seed trays — Use shallow seed trays or small pots filled with a fine, moist seed-starting mix that drains well but retains enough moisture to keep seeds from drying out.
- Surface sow the seeds — Creeping Jenny seeds need light to germinate, so sprinkle them on top of the growing medium and press them gently to ensure good contact — do not bury them.
- Mist gently — Use a spray bottle to mist the surface with water after sowing. Avoid heavy watering, which can dislodge or wash away the tiny seeds.
- Cover with plastic wrap or a humidity dome — Create a mini greenhouse effect by covering the tray to retain moisture and warmth, which encourages faster, more even germination.
- Provide warmth — Place the trays in a warm spot with temperatures between 65–75°F (18–24°C). A heat mat set to the lower end of this range can be very helpful for consistent soil temperature.
- Be patient with germination — Seeds typically germinate within 2–4 weeks, though some may take longer. Check the trays regularly and mist as needed to maintain consistent moisture.
- Provide light once sprouted — As soon as seedlings emerge, move them to a bright location or under grow lights for 12–16 hours daily to prevent leggy, weak growth.
- Thin the seedlings — Once seedlings are an inch or two tall and have their first true leaves, thin them out so each plant has enough space to develop without competition.
- Fertilize lightly — Apply a diluted balanced liquid fertilizer (half the recommended strength) every two weeks to support healthy seedling development without burning the tender roots.
- Harden off before transplanting — Gradually expose seedlings to outdoor conditions over 7–10 days, starting with a few hours of shade per day and slowly increasing sun and wind exposure.
- Choose the right planting spot — Select a location with partial shade to full sun and moist, humus-rich soil. Near ponds, streams, or low-lying garden areas are ideal spots for Creeping Jenny to thrive.
- Transplant carefully — Plant seedlings at the same depth they were growing in their trays, spacing them about 18 inches apart to allow room for their spreading habit to develop naturally.
- Water consistently after planting — Keep the soil evenly moist during the establishment period. Once rooted in, Creeping Jenny becomes relatively low-maintenance, though it always appreciates consistent moisture, especially in hotter climates.