Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia) is quite resistant to cold temperatures and can survive for short periods of time as low as -20F (-29C). However, for the long-term survival of the plant, the ideal temperature range is above 40F (4.4C).
Creeping Jenny does not like extreme cold temperatures, so temperatures in the 20s (below -1C) for extended periods of time can be too cold for the plant. In addition, if the temperatures dip below 0F (-18C) for even a short time, it can cause injury or death of the leaves and shoots of the plant.
It is important to ensure that the temperature of an area with Creeping Jenny does not drop near freezing or below for an extended period time.
How do you winterize creeping Jenny?
In order to winterize creeping Jenny, the following steps should be taken:
1. During the late fall, it is important to cut the plants back by about half in order to help protect them from harsh winter elements. This should be done by using a pair of pruning shears to snip off excess foliage and stems.
2. Add a 3-4 inch layer of compost or mulch across the ground around the creeping Jenny plants to help insulate its roots and provide essential nutrients.
3. Assure the soil around the creeping Jenny is evenly moist. As the winter season approaches and temperatures start to drop, add an extra 1-2 inch layer of material such as straw, shredded leaves, or pine needles to keep the roots and soil warm against subfreezing temperatures.
4. Make sure there is adequate drainage – planting creeping Jenny in raised beds or making sure the soil is not overly dense or heavy with clay can help reduce problems with winter drainage.
5. Overwintering creeping Jenny in containers should be done indoors to protect the plants from the cold and the frost. Ensure the container is moderately watered and avoid letting the soil dry out completely.
Additionally, check the container frequently for uninvited guests such as ants or caterpillars.
6. If the creeping Jenny plants are situated in an area that may get snow, adding an extra layer of soil or mulch can offer additional protection. This can also help to reduce evaporation and protect the plants from potential snow mold.
By following these steps, you can help winterize creeping Jenny and protect it from the harshest of winter elements.
Can creeping Jenny survive frost?
Yes, creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia) is considered to be highly frost-tolerant and can survive temperatures down to -30°C. It is very hardy and can be grown in almost any site in the UK, from full sun to full shade, from dry soils to moist.
It will even tolerate coastal areas, or heavy and clay soils. It is also drought-tolerant and will thrive in most soil types provided the ground does not stay waterlogged for too long. The twining stems are adaptable and can climb to heights of about 30 cm, so it makes a great groundcover.
Overall, Creeping Jenny is a great low-maintenance ground cover choice and can tolerate cold weather conditions.
Should I cut back creeping Jenny?
It depends on what kind of look you are going for. If you prefer a more manicured appearance to your landscape, then cutting back the creeping Jenny may be a good option. On the other hand, if you are aiming for a more naturalistic look and have room to let the plant spread, then you may want to leave it alone to grow and fill in any gaps.
Creeping Jenny is an evergreen plant, so it will stay green all year and provide consistent groundcover. Its potential to spread quickly can be both a blessing and a curse; be aware of the space you have for it and the look you want to achieve, and you can decide whether or not to trim or remove it.
What kills creeping Jenny?
Killing creeping Jenny can be difficult, as it is an invasive, hardy plant that quickly spreads, copies root systems, and easily adapts to a variety of environmental conditions. For this reason, many prefer to keep it in check using a combination of physical and chemical methods.
Physical removal of creeping Jenny should be done in early spring or late fall before new growth has started. Pulling the plants up by hand or with small hand tools works best in smaller areas. If digging is necessary, make sure to get as much of the root system of the weed as possible.
Removing the small yellow flowers with gloves or pruning shears helps control the spread of the weed.
Secondary chemical control for creeping Jenny is possible with some non-selective herbicides, such as glyphosate or triclopyr. These are best used on actively growing plants, and need to be reapplied as necessary.
Broadcast application of glyphosate is most effective, as it will kill everything it comes in contact with, including grasses and desirable plants. Spot treatments of triclopyr is an option in areas with desirable plants, as it is selective and won’t harm the surrounding vegetation.
Many gardeners use a combination of physical and chemical methods to keep creeping Jenny under control. Physical removal should be done in early spring or late fall, and chemical treatments can be used when the plant is actively growing.
The key is to be persistent and consistent with both methods, as the plant will quickly regrow if not kept in check.
Is creeping Jenny an annual or a perennial?
Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia) is a perennial plant that is native to the British Isles and Europe. It is often grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and around ponds, usually in damp soil.
It has small, round, penny-like leaves that are bright green in color and its stems spread outward as they grow, creating a mat-like covering over the ground. It has bright yellow blossoms that appear throughout the summer months and its flowers sometimes have a sweet smell.
It is a hardy plant that can survive in poor soils and is able to tolerate a range of temperatures. It grows best in fully exposed, sunny locations and can sometimes survive drought conditions.
What’s the difference between creeping Charlie and creeping Jenny?
Creeping Charlie (Glechoma hederacea) and Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia) are both hardy perennial ground covers. They are similar in that they both spread vigorously and can quickly fill in a large area.
However, there are also some differences between the two. Creeping Charlie grows in a rosette form and has small, round, scalloped edged leaves which are a bright, almost fluorescent shade of green. The stems often take a purplish tinge.
Creeping Jenny, in contrast, has round, somewhat flat green leaves with scalloped edges. Its stems are thin and reddish and the plant has a trailing habit.
In terms of plant care, Creeping Charlie prefers partial shade to full sun and needs regular moisture. It can be difficult to control as it spreads rapidly and can take over other more delicate plants in the garden.
Creeping Jenny thrives in full sun to partial shade, but will tolerate more sun than Creeping Charlie. It also needs moderately moist soil and is less aggressive in its growth which makes it easier to manage.
Finally, Creeping Charlie has a distinctive earthy smell when stepped on or cut, while Creeping Jenny does not.
Where does creeping Jenny grow best?
Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia) is a low-growing, evergreen perennial that forms a mat of round, scalloped foliage with gold accents. It is a wonderful ground cover in low-lying moist areas and is perfect for displacing common lawn grasses.
It can be used in rock gardens, along pathways, in water features, or around shrubs and trees. For best results, choose a location with full or partial sun exposure and provide adequate moisture. Poorly drained areas that remain soggy may not be ideal.
Creeping Jenny will grow as far north as Zone 4 and as far south as Zone 11. When planting, amend the soil with organic matter and fertilize with a balanced fertilizer. After establishing, Creeping Jenny can tolerate periods of drought.
Does creeping Jenny come back every year?
Yes, Creeping Jenny typically comes back every year after dormancy in the winter. This low-maintenance, hardy perennial is evergreen in regions with mild winters and once established, it is highly resilient in all kinds of climates.
The adventitious roots can generate new plants quickly and as long as the soil doesn’t dry out completely, Creeping Jenny will return annually. It does best in shaded or partially shaded areas with damp, moist soil.
While some may see Creeping Jenny as invasive, deadheading blooms and occasionally cutting back stems is enough to keep it contained. If planted in a pot, the plant must be kept moist while the pot cannot dry out fully.
How quickly does creeping Jenny spread?
Creeping Jenny, also known as Lysimachia nummularia, can spread quite quickly depending on its environment. In ideal growing conditions, it can spread fairly rapidly, with new growth appearing within a few weeks.
The speed of spread depends on several factors, such as soil moistness, temperature, and the level of competition for resources from other plants. Additionally, applying fertilizer can help speed up the growth rate.
Under the right conditions, Creeping Jenny can expand up to a few feet in width each year.
What can I plant next to Creeping Jenny?
When choosing what to plant next to Creeping Jenny, it is important to consider factors such as sunlight, soil, water requirements, and climate. Below is a list of plants that both thrive with and complement Creeping Jenny in many gardens:
1. Variegated Sweet Flag (Acorus gramineus ‘Variegatus’): Though classified as a perennial, this plant is suitable for growing in USDA zones 6-10. It does well in either moist or wet soil and in partial to full sun.
It is a grass-like plant with yellow and green variegated striped leaves.
2. Variegated Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’): This graceful ornamental grass is suitable for growing in USDA zones 4-9. It prefers partial to full sun exposure and humus-rich, consistently moist soil.
Its variegated leaves are shades of yellow, green, creamy white and cream.
3. Lady’s Mantle (Alchemilla mollis): A frost hardy, North American native perennial, Lady’s Mantle prefers partially shaded areas with moist, well-drained soil. It’s divided, light-green leaves have scalloped edges and have a velvety texture.
4. Ferns: Whether you choose tall evergreen Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris) for its abundant fronds, or delicate and airy Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum species) for its lacy leaves, both types of ferns prefer soils that are rich in organic matter and moist.
In addition to these popular companion plants, you can also consider various ground-covering perennials, ornamental grasses, and annual flowers to complete the picture next to your Creeping Jenny.
Will ground cover choke out other plants?
Yes, ground cover can choke out other plants if it is allowed to grow unchecked. Ground covers typically grow quickly, shading out other plants and preventing them from getting access to light or water.
Additionally, many ground covers, such as English Ivy, produce chemicals that can stunt the growth of other plants, allowing them to take over an area. As such, it is important to make sure that ground cover is properly controlled, pruned and maintained so that it does not spread too much and choke out other plants in your garden.
Does creeping Jenny multiply?
Yes, creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia) multiplies quickly. It spreads by runners, so it can fill in an area relatively rapidly. It is hardy in USDA growing zones 3-9, and it enjoys partial to full sun and soil that drains well.
When given the right growing conditions, creeping Jenny will overtake an area with its abundant foliage and bright yellow flowers that bloom in summer. When planting, creeping Jenny should be spaced 12-18 inches apart to create a dense carpet of foliage.
Gardeners often use it as an effective groundcover, as a backdrop for other plants, or as an edging along driveways and pathways. When planting in containers, creeping Jenny makes for a great trailing plant on a porch or patio.
With proper care, creeping Jenny will multiply quickly and make a beautiful addition to any garden.