Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia) is a beautiful and versatile plant used in various ways in the garden. It is a low-growing plant that spreads by rhizomes, making it a popular choice for ground cover. Creeping Jenny is known for its bright green leaves and small yellow flowers.
However, Creeping Jenny can also be invasive in some areas. This is because it is a fast-growing plant to spread out of control quickly. If not kept in check, Creeping Jenny can smother other plants in the garden.
So, will Golden Creeping Jenny kill other hardy annual plants too? The answer is yes, it can. However, it is essential to note that not all these evergreen perennial plants are created equal. Some cultivars are more invasive than others. If you are concerned about Creeping Jenny becoming invasive, you can do a few things to prevent it.
In our guide, you can learn more about the Creeping Jenny Weed and how to care for and deal with this invasive species. By the end, you’ll better understand why the plant is considered invasive and what is the best action to take to enjoy, yet also prevent the spreading of Creeping Jenny, lawn included. (Learn How To Put Rocks Around Culvert)
Is Creeping Jenny Toxic To Other Plants?
Creeping Jenny is a beautiful and versatile plant used in various ways in the garden. However, it is vital to know that Creeping Jenny can be invasive in some areas. If you are careless, it can quickly take over and choke out other plants.
What is Creeping Jenny?
Creeping Jenny grass (Lysimachia nummularia) is an evergreen perennial plant that belongs to the mint family. It is a hardy plant native to Europe and Asia but has been introduced to many other parts of the world, including North America. Creeping Jenny is a low-growing plant from the Primulaceae family of primroses.
It has bright green leaves and small yellow flowers. Creeping Jenny growing is popular for ground cover and container planting. Ground nesting bees love the floral oils when they bloom, and flowers are on full show.
Creeping Jenny can be invasive in some areas. This is because it is a fast-growing plant to spread out of control quickly. If you are not careful, it can choke out other plants in your garden. Creeping Jenny is most likely invasive in areas with moist, shady growing conditions. It is also more likely to become invasive in areas where no other plants can compete.
How to Prevent Creeping Jenny from Becoming Invasive
If you are concerned about Creeping Jenny becoming invasive, you can do a few things to prevent it.
- Transplant Creeping Jenny into new soil of an area where it can’t spread out of control. This could be pots or a raised bed.
- Keep the area around Creeping Jenny free of weeds. This will help to prevent the plant from spreading.
- Divide Creeping Jenny every few years. This will help to keep it from getting too large.
- Remove any Creeping Jenny that is growing outside of its designated area.
- Fill the area around your plants with other hardy plants that make great companions.
- Dig up plants before they flower, or you could have lots of seeds. Seeds will germinate, and you’ll be tackling more flowers taking over your lawn.
Will Creeping Jenny Kill Other Plants?
Creeping Jenny Lysimachia nummularia is not toxic to plants. However, it can smother other species of plants if it is not kept in check. This is because Creeping Jenny is a fast-growing plant to quickly spreads out of control. (Read Cat Palm Vs Majesty Palm)
How To Grow Creeping Jenny Plants
Creeping Jenny is a beautiful and versatile plant used in various ways in the garden. It is a low-growing plant that spreads by rhizomes, making it a popular choice for ground cover.
Several species are known for their bright golden-yellow leaves. They will produce flowers with six petals and six stamens in full sun locations in growing seasons from late spring to summer and sometimes early fall.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to grow Creeping Jenny:
1. Choose a location
Creeping Jenny is a hardy and relatively easy plant to grow but requires specific requirements. It prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-draining soil. It is also essential to choose a location that is protected from strong winds.
If growing in hotter climates, your plants may require partial or full shade.
2. Prepare the soil
Before planting, it is vital to prepare the soil. The soil should be well-drained and amended with compost or other organic matter. You may also want to add a layer of mulch around the plant to the damp soil to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
3. Plant the Creeping Jenny
Once the soil is prepared, you can plant the Creeping Jenny. Space the plants about 12 inches apart. Water the new plants very well after planting.
4. Water and fertilize the Creeping Jenny
Creeping Jenny needs regular watering, especially during hot, dry spring and late summer weather. You should also fertilize the plant every few months with a balanced fertilizer. Note: The plant loves plenty of moisture, yet this can lead to mold forming, so water underneath and let leaves dry to get rid of the mold issue.
5. Deadhead the Creeping Jenny
Creeping Jenny will flower throughout the summer. To encourage fresh growth, deadhead the flowers regularly in early spring, fall, and winter.
6. Protect the Creeping Jenny from frost
In colder climates, Creeping Jenny may need to be protected from severe frost, yet they can be cold hardy to an extent.
You can cover the plant’s foliage with a burlap sack or other protective material. With some care, you can enjoy Creeping Jenny in your garden for the growing season and years to come.
Here are some added tips for growing Creeping Jenny:
- Choose a cultivar that is less invasive.
- Plant in a full sun location where it cannot spread quickly, like a pot or a raised bed.
- Mulch to help suppress weeds and keep the plant’s roots in check.
- Water regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.
- Fertilize every few months with a balanced fertilizer.
- Deadhead regularly to encourage new growth.
- Remove Creeping Jenny that is growing outside of its designated area.
List of Creeping Jenny Companion Plants
Creeping Jenny, scientifically known as Lysimachia nummularia species or Herb Twopence, is a versatile and attractive ground cover plant in many gardens. It adds a vibrant touch to gardens or landscapes.
Its trailing stems, adorned with beautiful, rounded leaves, create a lush carpet of greenery in an established patch. One joy of cultivating Creeping Jenny is the opportunity to pair it with other plants that complement its charm and enhance its visual appeal.
1. Japanese Blood Grass
Japanese Blood Grass (Imperata cylindrica) is an exceptional choice to pair with Creeping Jenny. This ornamental grass features striking deep red blades that intensify in color as the season progresses. The vibrant foliage of Japanese Blood Grass provides a captivating contrast against the fresh green leaves of Creeping Jenny.
2. Daylily
Daylilies (Hemerocallis) are known for their colorful and abundant blooms, making them an excellent companion for Creeping Jenny. They bloom in various colors and petal patterns; daylilies offer endless possibilities for creating captivating flower combinations.
3. Tickseed
Tickseed (Coreopsis) is a delightful perennial flower that pairs exceptionally well with Creeping Jenny. With their bright and cheerful daisy-like blooms, tickseed flowers provide a burst of color that beautifully contrasts against the verdant ground cover.
Whether you choose yellow, orange, or pink seed varieties, the vibrant hues of tickseed will create a vibrant tapestry when combined with the lush foliage of Creeping Jenny. (Read Why Is My Creeping Fig Dying)
4. Mexican Feather Grass
Mexican Feather Grass (Nassella tenuissima) is an ethereal ornamental grass that brings grace and movement to the garden. Its delicate, feathery plumes sway in the breeze, creating a mesmerizing effect.
5. Bamboo
Bamboo (Bambusoideae) is a versatile and elegant plant that adds a touch of exoticism to any garden. The upright growth habit of bamboo creates a striking contrast when paired with the trailing stems of Creeping Jenny.
6. Coral Bells
Coral Bells (Heuchera) are cherished for their stunning foliage, which comes in various colors and patterns. These shade-loving perennials thrive in the company of Creeping Jenny, as their contrasting leaves create a visually captivating composition.
7. Bee Balm
Bee Balm (Monarda) is a beautiful addition to the garden and a magnet for pollinators.
Its vibrant, tubular pink, purple, or red flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, creating a lively and buzzing atmosphere.
8. Barberry
Barberry (Berberis) is a versatile shrub known for its stunning foliage color variations, ranging from vibrant reds to golden yellows. When combined with the flowers on the trailing stems of Creeping Jenny, barberry creates a delightful contrast that highlights the unique characteristics of both plants.
This pairing works exceptionally well in borders or as a backdrop for other flowering perennials, adding depth and visual interest to your landscape. (Read Are Zz Plants Toxic To Dogs)
9. Sedge
Sedge (Carex) is a diverse genus of grass-like plants offering various textures and colors. With their slender, arching leaves, sedges complement the cascading growth of Creeping Jenny, creating an engaging visual display.
What Is Creeping Charlie?
Creeping Charlie ground, ivy is a common weed to be challenging to control. It is a low-growing plant with round, dark green leaves, and small white flowers. Creeping Charlie spreads quickly by seed and underground runners, making it challenging to remove invasive plants completely.
There are several ways to control creeping, Charlie. The best method for you will depend on the severity of the infestation and the size of the area that needs to be treated.
Here are some tips on how to control creeping Charlie:
- Hand-weeding is the most effective way to control creeping Charlie if the infestation is small. Be sure to remove the entire plant, including the stems and the roots.
- Mulching: Mulching around plants can help to prevent creeping Charlie from spreading. Use a thick layer of mulch, like bark or wood chips.
- Soil polarization: This method covers the soil with clear plastic for several weeks during the late spring and summer sun. The heat from the sun will kill the creeping Charlie plants.
- Herbicides: There are several herbicides to be used to control creeping Charlie. Read the label carefully and follow the directions before using any herbicide.
If you have a severe infestation of creeping Charlie, you may need to use a combination of methods to control it. With regular treatment, you should be able to control pests and creeping Charlie. (Learn How To Stop Mushrooms From Growing In Mulch)
Here are some other tips for maintaining creeping Charlie:
- Water creeping Charlie deeply and infrequently. This will help to weaken the plant and make it more susceptible to herbicides.
- Keep the area around creeping Charlie free of weeds. Weeds provide food and shelter for creeping Charlie, so removing them will help to reduce the infestation.
- Inspect your garden regularly for creeping Charlie. The sooner you find an infestation, the easier it will be to control it.
- Be patient. It may take several years to control creeping Charlie completely
