Creeping jenny is a popular and versatile landscaping plant known for its bright green leaves and spreading habit. But where can you get your hands on this garden staple? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about buying creeping jenny, from the best places to find it to how much you can expect to pay.
What is Creeping Jenny?
Creeping jenny, also known by its botanical name Lysimachia nummularia, is a low-growing perennial plant in the primrose family. It is native to Europe and commonly grows in zones 3-9 in the United States
Creeping jenny is prized for the following characteristics
- Trailing or creeping habit, with stems that spread out along the ground
- Bright green, round or coin-shaped leaves
- Small, bright yellow cup-shaped flowers in summer
- Thrives in sun or shade
- Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions
- Spreads rapidly to form a dense ground cover
- Works well in borders, containers, and as an edging plant
The plant’s spreading growth habit makes it excellent for suppressing weeds, controlling erosion on slopes, and adding visual interest to gardens. The foliage fills in quickly to form a lush, attractive carpet.
Where to Buy Creeping Jenny
Now that you know what creeping jenny is all about, here are some of the best places to get it for your garden or landscape.
Local Nurseries and Garden Centers
One of the best places to find creeping jenny is your local independent nursery or garden center. Look for one that specializes in perennials. The staff will be able to direct you right to the creeping jenny and provide advice on selecting healthy plants.
Purchasing creeping jenny from a local nursery has several advantages
- Get expert advice on plant selection and care
- Hand-pick specific plants instead of buying online
- Avoid shipping damage
- Support local businesses
- Often cheaper than big box stores
The main downside is that selection may be limited based on what is in stock. Call ahead to check availability.
Home Improvement Stores
Big box home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s stock creeping jenny seasonally, usually in six packs or one-gallon containers. This makes them a convenient option when local nurseries are out of stock.
Prices are competitive, though the plant selection may not be as robust. Look for plants with healthy foliage and no signs of pests or diseases. Avoid any that are rootbound or look dried out.
Online Nurseries
Purchasing creeping jenny online opens up many more varieties and buying options. Reputable online nurseries ship healthy, bare-root plants and perennials potted in soil.
When buying online:
- Stick with nurseries located in your hardiness zone to ensure the plants are suitable for your climate
- Check reviews and shop with nurseries that guarantee live delivery
- Factor in shipping costs – this can add significantly to the plant price
- Pick expedited shipping for perishable plants
- Be aware of shipping restrictions for certain states
Some good online sources for creeping jenny include:
- High Country Gardens
- Nature Hills Nursery
- Plant Delights Nursery
- Wayside Gardens
- White Flower Farm
Divisions and Cuttings from Friends
An easy way to get creeping jenny at no cost is by taking divisions or cuttings from the plants of gardening friends, neighbors, or family members.
Since creeping jenny spreads rapidly, most gardeners have to thin or divide plants periodically. Offer to lend a hand weeding or mulching in exchange for some pieces!
The benefit of divisions and cuttings is you know the plants will thrive in your area. The limitation is that you’re restricted to whatever variety the original plant is.
When to Buy Creeping Jenny
Spring and fall are generally considered the best times to plant creeping jenny:
Spring – Plant from nursery pots or bare root plants in spring after the last frost date. This gives roots time to establish before summer heat.
Fall – Plant from late summer to early fall. Growth slows as temperatures cool, giving plants a chance to acclimate before winter dormancy.
That said, creeping jenny is versatile and can be planted through the growing season. Just be sure to water thoroughly when planting in warmer months. Containerized plants can be planted anytime.
Aim for cooler, cloudy days to reduce transplant stress. Morning or late afternoon plantings allow plants to recover with minimal sun exposure.
How Much Does Creeping Jenny Cost?
Creeping jenny is relatively inexpensive, especially when bought as starter plants. Here are some average costs:
- Bare root plants or plugs: $1 – $5 per plant
- One quart or one gallon pot: $5 – $12 per pot
- Six pack flats: $15 – $30 per flat
- Pre-grown mats: $8 – $20 per square foot
Larger potted sizes and pre-grown mats will provide instant coverage but are more expensive on a per plant basis. Consider going the bare root or plug route and letting your plants fill in over the first year to get more coverage for your dollar.
When budgeting, account for the fact that creeping jenny spreads fast. Spacing plants 12″ apart or creating small groupings will go a long way.
Tips for Buying Healthy Creeping Jenny Plants
Follow these tips for choosing vigorous, healthy creeping jenny plants:
- Look for plants with evenly moist (not soaked or bone dry) soil
- Avoid rootbound plants with excessive circling roots
- Check for signs of pests like webs, chew marks, spots, etc.
- Watch for yellowing leaves, brown spots, or wilting
- Look for healthy green leaves without pest damage
- Seek out young plants over woody or overgrown ones
- For potted varieties, gently remove from pots to check roots
- Pick plants with well-established root systems
Buying healthy, pest-free plants and providing proper care will give your creeping jenny the best chance of thriving.
Enjoy the Versatility of Creeping Jenny
Now that you know where to get it and what to look for, you can start enjoying this easygoing ground cover plant. Creeping jenny’s versatility makes it a go-to choice for all kinds of gardens and landscaping needs.
So head to your local nursery, browse the online selections or get free cuttings from a neighbor. Before you know it, you’ll have lush, spreading carpets of bright green foliage to enhance your outdoor space.
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Great Groundcover: Creeping Jenny Golden – Lysimachia nummularia ‘Aurea’
FAQ
When should creeping jenny be planted?
Creeping jenny needs well-draining sand, loam or clay, and these vigorous plants are not picky about soil pH. Plant them in early spring in moist soil. In the garden, place them 2 feet apart and they’ll spread in all directions to form a dense carpet about 2 to 4 inches tall and 12 to 18 inches across.
When can I buy creeping jenny?
Pot Grown are generally available all year.
Does Home Depot sell creeping jenny?
Creeping Jenny Lysimachia Ground Cover Plant (6-Pack) 68824 – The Home Depot.
What are the cons of creeping jenny?
Creeping Jenny is a lovely ornamental. The main problem most people have with creeping Jenny is that it spreads. It is considered an invasive plant in many places and may not be available at your local nurseries. However, the golden or “Auria” varieties are not as invasive as the green.
Where can I plant Creeping Jenny?
Creeping Jenny can be planted in various places. It makes a great filler in-between waterfalls or rocks, or as a trailing plant in hanging baskets, window boxes, or containers. It’s also perfect for areas where it can cascade, such as over a bank or a wall.
Can creeping jenny grow in containers?
Add some cascading color to your mixed containers. A staple for adding color and texture to mixed plantings, creeping Jenny is a versatile foliage plant. So easy to grow, thriving in sun or shade, plants will cascade out of containers or spread to form a golden carpet in the garden.
What does Creeping Jenny look like?
Creeping Jenny is a plant that can be grown in either shade or part shade. It has small, elongated leaves that range from bright chartreuse to pale yellow. This plant can spread quickly in all directions, so make sure you have the right spot for it.
Are creeping jenny plants good?
Customers say the Creeping Jenny plants are generally well-packaged and arrive in healthy condition, thriving in various environments. Many appreciate their vibrant color and hardiness, making them a great addition to gardens and patios.
Is Creeping Jenny an effective ground cover?
Creeping Jenny is an effective ground cover. It can be tucked under many perennial plants, almost eliminating the need to weed. Creeping Jenny can be found in either shade or part shade, and it has small, elongated leaves that range from bright chartreuse to pale yellow.
How do you care for Creeping Jenny?
Creeping Jenny can thrive in either full sun or partial shade. To care for it, choose a well-drained location when purchasing plants from nurseries in spring.