Lysimachia nummularia
Creeping Jenny is a fast-spreading groundcover prized for its vibrant chartreuse to golden foliage that brightens garden beds, containers, and hanging baskets. This low-growing perennial forms a dense mat of trailing stems that root easily where they touch the soil, creating a lush carpet only a few inches tall.
Its small, coin-shaped leaves give the plant its species name nummularia, meaning “like a coin.” In summer, Creeping Jenny may produce small yellow cup-shaped flowers tucked along the stems, adding a subtle pop of color among the foliage.
This adaptable plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and performs best in moist soils, making it a great choice for containers, rock walls, pond edges, and groundcover plantings. Creeping Jenny is especially attractive when allowed to spill over the edges of pots or raised beds.
Because of its vigorous spreading habit, it’s best planted in controlled spaces such as containers or defined garden areas where its growth can be managed.
Plant Details
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Water: Prefers moist soil but tolerates occasional dry conditions
- Soil: Adaptable to clay, loam, sandy, or rocky soils
- Height: 2–4 inches tall
- Spread: Forms wide, creeping mats
- Bloom Time: Summer (small yellow flowers, occasional)
- Habit: Trailing and spreading groundcover
Best Uses
- Groundcover in garden beds
- Container accents and hanging baskets
- Spilling over rock walls or raised planters
- Around ponds or water features for bright foliage color
Note: Creeping Jenny spreads aggressively and may become invasive in some regions. Use in containers or managed garden spaces where its growth can be controlled.
