Central Plains Gardening
Great Design Plant: Golden Creeping Jenny
Try this fast-growing ground cover for easy masses of gold and green in the garden
Slow-growing specimen plants are stunning additions to a garden, and definitely worth the time they take to mature. But if you're looking to add color or fill a space in your yard quickly, consider colorful, low-maintenance golden creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia 'Aurea').
More great design plants | Browse landscape photos
More great design plants | Browse landscape photos
Easily identified by its fluorescent green foliage, golden creeping Jenny will grow in sunny spots as well as in the shade. Its small ruffled leaves will turn a bright yellow when planted in full sun. Shade-dwelling specimens will become a lime green. Profuse, bright yellow flowers appear in early summer.
Botanical name: Lysimachia nummularia 'Aurea'
Common names: Golden creeping Jenny, moneywort, golden pennywort
USDA zones: 3-9
Water requirement: Medium to regular
Sun requirement: Full sun to partial shade
Mature size: 2"-4” tall x 2’ spread or more
Tolerances: Limited foot traffic, rocky, shallow and wet soils
Note: Vigorous grower — can be invasive in some regions. Cut back as needed.
Common names: Golden creeping Jenny, moneywort, golden pennywort
USDA zones: 3-9
Water requirement: Medium to regular
Sun requirement: Full sun to partial shade
Mature size: 2"-4” tall x 2’ spread or more
Tolerances: Limited foot traffic, rocky, shallow and wet soils
Note: Vigorous grower — can be invasive in some regions. Cut back as needed.
Distinguishing traits. The ultimate ground cover if you are looking to quickly fill space, golden creeping Jenny provides year-round interest with its dense network of spreading foliage.
How to use it. Golden creeping Jenny is a natural ground cover choice where it can be left to run wild: a backyard bank, along a path, or even near a stream. Because golden creeping Jenny prefers moist soil, this is also a great plant to use in a rain garden.
Sparsely planting creeping Jenny along a path allows its spreading strands to elegantly cascade over rocks and walls, or simply trail along the ground.
Keep it growing. While its rapid growth rate makes golden creeping Jenny a lifesaver in some gardens, it can be a burden in others. This cultivar is much less aggressive than the straight species, but its growth rate is still something to keep in mind — particularly in damp areas that provide perfect growing conditions. Take care growing near lawns or flower beds as it can overtake the plantings.
More great design plants:
Redtwig Dogwood | Hens-and-Chicks | Snake Flower | Toyon | Black Mondo Grass | Feather Reed Grass | New Zealand Wind Grass | Red Kangaroo Paw | Blue Chalk Sticks |Catmint | Slipper Plant
Great design trees:
Manzanita | Japanese Maple | Persian Ironwood | Smoke Tree | Bald Cypress | Tree Aloe
More great design plants:
Redtwig Dogwood | Hens-and-Chicks | Snake Flower | Toyon | Black Mondo Grass | Feather Reed Grass | New Zealand Wind Grass | Red Kangaroo Paw | Blue Chalk Sticks |Catmint | Slipper Plant
Great design trees:
Manzanita | Japanese Maple | Persian Ironwood | Smoke Tree | Bald Cypress | Tree Aloe