How to grow creeping Jenny

How to grow creeping Jenny

Creeping Jenny suits a range of sites where soil doesn’t dry out and can be planted at any time of year. Propagate by detaching rooted stems and trim back as required to keep growth neat and fresh-looking.

Where to grow creeping Jenny

Creeping Jenny needs to be grown in fertile soil that stays evenly moist, in full sun or partial shade, though avoid planting in hot, sun-baked sites where the foliage is liable to scorch. Plant around the edges of pots, hanging baskets, raised beds, and window boxes so the stems trail down, on sloping sites like banks and rockeries, and in groups as ground cover at border edges or under trees and shrubs. The green-leaved form is native to Britain and is suited to wild gardens and pond edges.

How to plant creeping Jenny

Creeping Jenny is hardy, suitable for planting at any time of year when soil conditions are suitable. In the ground, space plants 30-45cm apart. Plant closer together in containers, spacing several plants around the edges at equal distances, ideally interspersed with other, contrasting plants for variety.

How to care for creeping Jenny

Creeping Jenny is easy to grow and requires little care once established. Trim back anytime during the growing season if stems become long and straggly, or if leaves are looking tatty, to keep plants looking tidy with plenty of fresh, brightly coloured young growth.

How to propagate creeping Jenny

The spreading stems of creeping Jenny root where they touch the soil, so gently lifting new growth from the outside in will reveal rooted stems. Simply detach these from the parent plant and either pot them up to grow on or transplant them directly to their new site. Or divide larger, established clumps, in autumn or spring.

Growing creeping Jenny: problem solving

Creeping Jenny is not subject to any pests or diseases. If allowed to dry out, leaves may become brown and scorched-looking. Trim back affected growth and water well. Avoid planting in hot sun-baked sites.
Invasive growth in borders or lawns needs restricting as soon as possible, as stems quickly root to form new plants and each will need to be dug up. In lawns, use a spring-tined rake to lift the stems from the grass, to be cut by the mower.