Creeping Jenny was one of the plants we highlighted as a “Plant of the Week”.   I have a renewed interest in the plant after seeing it in my brother’s garden. He is using the plant as a groundcover and as a spiller in his hanging baskets and containers.  Here is more of what I discovered on this versatile plant.

Creeping Jenny is an evergreen groundcover that thrives in damp soil conditions.  This fast-growing plant is also known as Moneywort. The plant is native to Europe but has been naturalized in Eastern North America. The plant is considered a perennial in warmer climates. If you like a plant that will spread easily, Creeping Jenny is for you.  The plant can grow up to 2 feet wide.

Its green foliage can take on a yellow hue in bright sunny conditions and it also produces yellow flowers in the summer. It will do well in partial shade and is generally not bothered by pests or diseases. It can also be used in pots where it will spill over the edges of the container or weave itself in between other plants. Once established it requires little care but it can be invasive in some areas so give it lots of room to spread!   Creeping Jenny retains its color all winter long and is tough enough to tolerate moderate foot traffic.  The plant is hardy from zones 3-11.

Creeping Jenny is typically planted in the early spring but it will take root most any time in mild weather and needs to be watered regularly.  Plant in a location where it has room to grow and will not bother other plants. The plant likes full sun to partial shade.  In warmer locations, the plant needs to be protected from the afternoon sun.  The sunnier the location, the more the leaves will turn yellow.  If it is in shade, the plant leaves will stay green.  This plant is easy to grow in moist, well-drained soil.

As previously mentioned, Creeping Jenny will produce pretty cup-shaped yellow flowers in the summer.  The more sun, the more yellow the flowers will be. The flowers are about 1-inch in diameter.  Deadheading is not needed.

If your Creeping Jenny starts to look tired, you can cut it back.  Once the plant is established, it will grow quickly if trimmed.  Since this plant can become invasive, make sure to trim it as needed.  

In the past, Creeping Jenny was also used for medicinal purposes. This plant has been used since medieval times as a wound healer.  Additionally, Chinese medicine uses the plant to treat gallstones.