About
Creeping Jenny is a low, mat-forming perennial with round, bright green to golden leaves and small yellow cup-shaped flowers in late spring and summer. It roots at nodes and can spread aggressively in moist, fertile spots—fine for a contained bog edge or pot splash zone, less funny if it escapes into your whole yard. In warm humid climates it often behaves as a lush cool-season ground cover and can melt back in brutal heat unless it has steady moisture and some afternoon shade. Part sun to full sun in cool climates; in hot humid sites, morning sun and afternoon shade keeps the foliage from frying. Likes consistently moist to wet soil; tolerates brief dry spells once established but looks trashy if you drought-stress it. Divide mats any time; soft stem cuttings root in water or damp mix in days; pieces with nodes reroot if accidentally (or deliberately) scattered. Clip or divide mats as needed to manage spread and refresh appearance through the season.
Permaculture Functions
- Ground Cover: Round leaves root at every node, forming evergreen to semi-evergreen carpets -- along pond shelves, splash zones, and damp shade paths.
- Ornamental: Chartreuse cultivars and gold forms give high-contrast ribbons -- between stones until summer heat demands more moisture.
- Erosion Control: Dense mats intercept raindrop impact on pond banks and shady slopes -- where turf would thin or burn.
- Wildlife Attractor: Cup-shaped yellow flowers supply pollen and nectar -- to small bees and syrphid flies through late spring and summer.
Companion Planting