Creeping Jenny Creeping Charlie: A Comprehensive Growing Guide

Creeping Jenny and Creeping Charlie are two popular groundcovers that can thrive in a variety of conditions.

Creeping Jenny is a low-maintenance option that tolerates partial shade and moist soil, making it perfect for areas with limited sunlight.

It's a fast-spreading plant that can grow up to 12 inches long, forming a dense mat of golden foliage.

Creeping Charlie, on the other hand, prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.

This adaptable groundcover can grow up to 18 inches long, with tiny white or purple flowers blooming in the spring.

Both plants are relatively easy to propagate, with Creeping Jenny rooting easily in water and Creeping Charlie producing stolons that can be cut and replanted.

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Growing creeping jenny effectively requires the right amount of light. You'll want to provide it with plenty of direct sunlight to encourage healthy growth.

Proper watering is also crucial. Creeping jenny prefers moist soil but can be susceptible to root rot if it's too wet. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Climate and temperature play a significant role in growing creeping jenny. It thrives in temperatures between 65°F and 75°F (18°C and 24°C), making it a great choice for temperate regions.

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To grow Creeping Jenny effectively, you'll need to get the right amount of light. This means providing it with full sun to partial shade, depending on your climate.

The right type of soil is also crucial, as Creeping Jenny prefers well-draining soil that's moist but not waterlogged. Avoid using excessively sandy or rocky soil, as it won't retain much moisture.

Proper plant fertilizer is essential for Creeping Jenny's growth, but be sure to use it sparingly to avoid burning the roots. You can also use a balanced fertilizer that's high in nutrients, as Creeping Jenny prefers soils with plenty of nutrients.

Moneywort, on the other hand, is a bit more forgiving when it comes to soil conditions. As long as the soil is moist and relatively well-draining, it should be happy.

Creeping jenny is a hardy plant that can thrive in cold temperatures. It can grow in zones as low as 3.

Frost and snow may cause the foliage to die back slightly, but it should return again the following spring. This makes it a great option for gardens in areas with harsh winters.

Creeping Jenny is a prolific spreader that can quickly fill empty beds, but if you want to plant in containers or move part of the plant to a new section of your garden, you have three options for propagation.

You can propagate Creeping Jenny from cuttings, seeds, or dividing. This plant is incredibly easy to propagate from cuttings, as it develops roots from nodes along the stem.

Start by cutting a minimum of four inches long, making sure to cut just below a leaf node at a 45° angle. This increases the surface area and allows for better water and nutrient uptake.

Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting to give the plant the greatest chance of developing roots. You can then root the cutting in water or directly into a soilless propagating medium.

To root in water, place the bottom of the stem into a clean glass filled with filtered water, changing it every couple of days until the roots have grown at least an inch or two. Alternatively, you can root in soil by filling a pot with a mixture of coconut coir and perlite.

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Creeping Jenny can also be propagated from seed, but it's best to obtain seeds from a certified grower to ensure you get the right cultivar. Harvested seeds may not produce the same cultivar and can be more invasive.

Sow the seeds into trays or directly into the ground, watering them to replicate the natural spreading process. Once the seeds have sprouted, thin them by removing the weakest performers.

You can also propagate Creeping Jenny by division, as it grows roots along the stems and can be easily dug up and replanted. Simply dig up the entire plant or a part of it, and replant each division further apart to cover a wider area.

Creeping Jenny develops roots along nodes in the stem, making it easy to root in water. Simply cut along the stem just below a node, remove the leaves, and pop in a glass of water to see roots emerge within a few weeks.

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Creeping jenny can be prone to turning brown due to disease, so keep an eye out for brown circular spots on the foliage. Remove all affected branches and look out for signs of spread. Apply an organic fungicide to prevent further damage.

Underwatering can also cause the leaves to turn brown, especially if it's severe. Ensure you water consistently, and increase your waterings in warm weather to prevent these issues.

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These plants can thrive in a range of temperatures, but they do have some limitations. They are happy across USDA Zones 4-9, and potentially 3 depending on the region.

In extremely cold weather, the plants may die back a bit and become spotty. Growth should return again the following spring.

Some regions may be able to grow these plants year-round, but in areas with harsh winters, they may need protection during the coldest months.

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Borax is a natural and non-toxic substance that can be used to control ants, spiders, and other pests in your home. It's a great alternative to chemical-based pesticides.

Borax can be mixed with sugar or other sweet substances to create a bait that ants and other pests find irresistible. This mixture can be placed in areas where pests are spotted.

Borax is also effective at controlling spiders by dehydrating them. It can be sprinkled along baseboards and in corners where spiders are likely to be found.

To use borax effectively, it's best to mix it with water to create a paste. This paste can be applied directly to areas where pests are present.

Borax is a safe substance for pets and humans to be around, making it a great option for those who want to avoid chemical pesticides.

Here's an interesting read: Creeping Charlie Removal Borax

Yellow leaves on your creeping jenny can be a sign of receiving enough sun, especially if you're growing the Aurea variety.

This variety thrives in sunny spots and will display yellow leaves as a result. However, moving the plant to a spot with more shade can cause the leaves to turn a darker green, but it may not grow as vigorously or flower in summer.

If you live in a climate with cold winters, the foliage of your creeping jenny may turn brown due to the drop in temperature.

Creeping jenny can turn brown due to disease, which manifests as brown circular spots on the foliage.

If you notice these symptoms, remove all affected branches to prevent the spread of the disease.

Underwatering can also cause the leaves to turn brown, especially if the creeping jenny is severely dehydrated.

Increasing waterings in warm weather can help prevent this issue.

You can also apply an organic fungicide to combat fungal diseases, but be sure to consider the impact on surrounding plants.

Creeping Jenny is a plant that originates from Europe, but it's now commonly found in home gardens around the world, particularly in North America.

Its botanical name, Lysimachia nummularia, is a key factor to consider when growing this plant. The cultivar is also important, as it can help distinguish between invasive and non-invasive varieties.

The small round shapes of the leaves on Creeping Jenny resemble tiny coins, especially when they're covered in their classic sheen. This is why it's also known as 'moneywort'.

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Regular maintenance is essential when growing Creeping Jenny to prevent damage to your local environment and native plants. This includes controlling its growth to prevent it from taking over other plants in the wild.

Lysimachia nummularia 'Aurea', a cultivar with yellow-ish golden leaves and a slow-growing habit, is generally considered safe for home gardens.

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Creeping Charlie can be tricky to identify, but it's not the only plant that might look similar.

Creeping Charlie, also known as ground ivy or Gill-over-the-ground, is a common invasive plant in Minnesota.

If you're not sure if you've found Creeping Charlie, take a closer look at its leaves. Creeping Charlie has leaves that are typically heart-shaped and have rounded tips.

One way to tell Creeping Charlie apart from other plants is by its stems. Creeping Charlie's stems are long and creeping, often rooting at the nodes.

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Creeping Jenny is a versatile plant that comes in various forms, each with its unique characteristics. The most popular variety is Lysimachia nummularia 'Aurea', known for its golden chartreuse leaves that brighten up beds in the sunlight.

This variety is considered the least invasive and safest to use in home gardens, as it's not as vigorous as others. Its non-aggressive growth makes it perfect for small spaces and areas where you want to avoid overgrowth.

The golden leaves of Lysimachia nummularia 'Aurea' are a standout feature, and they're sure to add a pop of color to your garden.

Creeping Charlie, ground ivy, and Gill-over-the-ground are actually the same plant, known scientifically as Glechoma hederacea.

Their growth habits may be similar to other plants like Creeping Jenny, but they are not the same plants. Creeping Charlie is far more invasive and is classified as a weed in most regions.

Despite their similarities, Creeping Charlie is a distinct species from Creeping Jenny. In fact, they belong to completely different genera.

Creeping Charlie is a plant that's native to Europe and Asia, but it's been naturalized in many parts of North America. It's a hardy perennial that can thrive in a variety of conditions.

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If you're trying to identify Creeping Charlie, look for its distinctive round leaves and stems that root at the nodes. This helps the plant spread quickly and take over areas where it's not wanted.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources considers Creeping Charlie to be an invasive species, which means it can cause harm to native ecosystems.

Creeping Charlie is often found growing in lawns, gardens, and other areas where it can outcompete native plants for resources.

To keep your creeping jenny or creeping charlie thriving, you'll want to fertilize it annually in the spring. This will give it the nutrients it needs to promote healthy foliage and flowering.

In fact, these vigorous growers can become sparse and lackluster without regular fertilization. A balanced fertilizer applied just before growth kicks off in the spring will make all the difference.

Just make sure to choose the right soil conditions for your creeping jenny or creeping charlie, as it should thrive without too much extra fertilization.

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These plants are relatively low maintenance when it comes to fertilizing, but they will still benefit from an annual application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring.

They can thrive without extra fertilization if the soil conditions are right, but a little extra nutrients can go a long way in promoting healthy growth and blooming.

A balanced fertilizer applied just before growth kicks off in the spring will help the foliage and encourage more flowers to bloom.

Related reading: Creeping Jenny Growth Rate

Creeping Jenny is a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of ways. It's perfect for filling empty spaces with its compact five-inch-tall foliage, making it an excellent ground cover.

Plant Creeping Jenny alone, as it doesn't play nice with other plants, especially other low-lying plants like ground covers. This will prevent overcrowding and ensure the plant thrives.

In containers, Creeping Jenny's long stems will trail down the sides, making an attractive feature. It's ideal for the 'spiller' part of the common container design phrase – thriller, filler, spiller.

To keep Creeping Jenny's growth contained and prevent it from becoming invasive, plant it in a hanging basket and hang it on your patio. This will allow the stems to cascade down and create a beautiful display.

Creeping Jenny can also thrive in shallow water, making it perfect for ponds or water features. The stems will trail along the water or drift on top, flowing with the movement of the water.