Moneywort is a bright, low-growing plant that can quickly turn bare soil into a lush green carpet. It’s popular in gardens, ponds, and even aquariums—but without thoughtful management, moneywort can become aggressive and difficult to control. This guide walks you through how to grow moneywort as a groundcover, keep it healthy, and prevent it from invading spaces where you don’t want it.
What Is Moneywort?
Moneywort (Lysimachia nummularia), also known as creeping Jenny or herb twopence, is a creeping perennial native to Europe but now found widely in North America and other temperate regions. It’s recognizable by:
- Small, rounded “coin-like” leaves (hence the name “moneywort”)
- Trailing stems that root at the nodes
- Yellow, cup-shaped flowers in late spring and early summer
- A mat-forming growth habit that hugs the ground
There are also ornamental cultivars like ‘Aurea’ (golden creeping Jenny) with bright chartreuse foliage that’s especially popular in landscape design.
Why Gardeners Use Moneywort as Groundcover
When managed correctly, moneywort can be a valuable design and functional tool in the landscape.
Aesthetic Benefits
- Vivid color contrast: Green or yellow foliage provides a bright, modern look that pairs well with darker shrubs, evergreens, and purple-leaved perennials.
- Soft, flowing edges: It spills gracefully over rocks, walls, and containers.
- Season-long interest: Semi-evergreen in many climates; holds color well into cool seasons.
Functional Benefits
- Fast soil coverage: Great for quickly covering bare patches or slopes.
- Erosion control: Dense roots help stabilize soil on banks and around water features.
- Weed suppression: A thick mat shades out many weed seedlings.
- Moisture tolerance: Thrives in damp spots where other plants struggle.
Because moneywort spreads so efficiently, planning and ongoing control are crucial.
Ideal Growing Conditions for Moneywort
Understanding what moneywort loves will help you decide where (and whether) to plant it.
Light Requirements
- Full sun to part shade is ideal.
- In full sun, foliage can be brighter and more compact, but may need more moisture.
- In partial shade, plants may be slightly taller but still form a dense mat.
- In deep shade, growth weakens and becomes patchy.
Soil Preferences
- Moist, well-drained soil is best.
- Tolerates clay and loam, and will even grow in wet or poorly drained areas.
- Prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH, but is quite adaptable.
- Does not like extremely dry, sandy soil unless irrigated.
Water and Moisture
- Naturally found near streams, wet meadows, and pond edges.
- Performs best when soil is consistently moist, though not waterlogged.
- Once established, can handle short dry spells, but prolonged drought will thin the mat.
Temperature and Hardiness
- Hardy in roughly USDA Zones 3–9 (varies by cultivar and local conditions).
- In cold climates, top growth may die back in winter and re-sprout in spring.
- In mild climates, can remain semi-evergreen or evergreen.
For specific hardiness details, consult your regional extension service or a verified horticultural database (e.g., Missouri Botanical Garden, RHS, or university extension sources such as Cornell Cooperative Extension (source)).
How to Plant Moneywort as Groundcover
If you decide moneywort is appropriate for your site, planting it correctly sets you up for easier management.
1. Choose a Responsible Site
- Avoid locations adjacent to natural wetlands, streams, and lakes, where escape is more likely.
- Keep it inside well-defined borders (paths, edging, walls) to limit its spread.
- Consider raised beds or containers if you’re near sensitive natural habitats.
2. Prepare the Soil
- Remove existing weeds and grass, including roots.
- Loosen the top 4–6 inches of soil.
- Mix in compost for fertility and moisture retention.
- Level and lightly firm the area.
3. Planting Methods
Moneywort can be planted via:
- Nursery pots or plugs: Space 8–12 inches apart; it will fill in within 1–2 growing seasons.
- Divisions: Divide established clumps and replant sections with several stems and roots.
- Cuttings: In moist soil, stem sections often root at the nodes.
Plant with the root ball just below the surface, water thoroughly, and keep soil evenly moist until established.
Everyday Care and Maintenance
To keep moneywort attractive and contained, a little routine care goes a long way.
Watering
- Maintain consistent moisture, especially in the first season.
- In hot, sunny areas, water deeply once or twice per week if rainfall is lacking.
- Around ponds or rain gardens, additional watering may be minimal.
Fertilizing
- Often not necessary in average garden soil.
- If growth is weak, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring.
- Avoid over-fertilizing, which can encourage excessive sprawl.
Pruning and Trimming
- Shear or trim edges several times a season where it meets lawns, paths, or beds.
- Remove stems that climb into other perennials, shrubs, or rock crevices.
- After flowering, you can lightly shear to tidy and encourage fresh growth.
Winter Care
- In cold climates, you can:
- Leave top growth to protect the crown, then clean up dead stems in early spring.
- Or lightly rake away debris to reduce hiding spots for slugs and other pests.
- In milder areas, simply trim back any winter-tired foliage in late winter.
Preventing Moneywort from Becoming Invasive
In some regions, moneywort—especially the wild green species—can naturalize beyond garden boundaries and raise ecological concerns. Check with your local extension office or invasive species council to see if it’s discouraged or regulated in your area.
Key Strategies to Reduce Invasion Risk
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Use Ecologically Safer Alternatives Where Needed
- On or near natural waterways, consider native or non-invasive groundcovers recommended for your region.
- If you must have that chartreuse look, ask local nurseries for similar-colored native options.
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Physical Containment
- Plant within raised beds, stone borders, or metal/plastic edging buried 4–6 inches deep.
- Avoid planting where stems can easily trail into adjacent turf or woodland.
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Regular Edge Management
- Mow or string-trim along paths and lawns to prevent spread by creeping stems.
- Inspect garden edges 2–3 times per season and pull up any runners that cross boundaries.
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Prevent Escape into Waterways
- Do not plant moneywort where floodwaters can carry fragments into natural streams or lakes.
- If grown in water gardens, use containers or lined beds and manage overflow carefully.
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Responsible Disposal
- Never dump garden waste or aquarium plants containing moneywort into natural waterbodies or wild areas.
- Bag and dispose of unwanted plant material with household trash or dry and compost only if your system reliably kills regrowth.
How to Control or Remove Moneywort
If moneywort has outgrown its welcome, it can be controlled—but persistence is essential.
Manual and Mechanical Control
- Hand-pulling: Best in small areas or early infestations. Grasp stems near the base and pull, trying to remove as many roots as possible.
- Digging: Use a trowel or shovel to loosen soil and remove roots and nodes, especially where mats are thick.
- Smothering: After cutting close to the ground, cover the area with cardboard or weed barrier fabric plus 3–4 inches of mulch for an entire growing season.
Cultural Control
- Increase competition by overseeding with grass or planting more vigorous, desirable groundcovers once you’ve reduced moneywort to a low level.
- Improve drainage and avoid overwatering, which can favor moneywort over less moisture-loving plants.
Chemical Control (Use with Caution)
- As a last resort and where allowed, some gardeners use selective or non-selective herbicides.
- Always:
- Verify products are labeled for the target site and species.
- Follow all label directions and local regulations.
- Keep chemicals away from streams, ponds, and other non-target plants.
In sensitive areas or large infestations, professional advice from a licensed applicator or extension agent is strongly recommended.
Using Moneywort Responsibly in Design
If moneywort is not invasive in your region and you choose to grow it, thoughtful placement can let you enjoy it without headaches.
Good Uses in the Garden
- Between stepping stones or pavers where you can edge easily.
- Over low walls and in containers, where trailing growth is contained.
- In rain gardens and swales, if local guidelines allow, to stabilize moist soil.
- At the front of mixed borders, forming a neat, colorful edging.
Pairing with Other Plants
Moneywort’s fine texture and color make it a great contrast to:
- Hostas and heucheras
- Dwarf conifers
- Dark-leaved shrubs
- Tall, upright perennials like iris or daylilies
Just monitor that it doesn’t creep into the centers of neighboring plants.
Common Problems and Troubleshooting
Moneywort is generally resilient, but a few issues can arise.
Yellowing or Weak Growth
Possible causes:
- Too much shade – move to a brighter spot or thin overhead plants.
- Nutrient-poor soil – top-dress with compost or apply a light, balanced fertilizer.
- Drought stress – increase watering and mulch to conserve moisture.
Overly Aggressive Spread
- Step up edging and trimming frequency.
- Reduce water and fertilizer in that area.
- Consider partial replacement with a less vigorous groundcover.
Pests and Diseases
Moneywort is usually pest-resistant but can occasionally be affected by:
- Slugs and snails in damp, shaded areas.
- Root rot in poorly drained soils.
Improve airflow, avoid standing water, and remove debris to reduce problems.
FAQ About Moneywort Groundcover
Is moneywort a good groundcover for shade?
Moneywort (and creeping Jenny, its common name) will grow in partial shade, but it usually performs best in light shade to part sun. In deep shade, it tends to thin out and become leggy. For heavily shaded areas, consider shade-loving native groundcovers instead.
Will moneywort spread into my lawn or other beds?
Yes, moneywort is a spreading groundcover and will readily creep into adjacent turf or plantings if not contained. Use edging, regular trimming, and vigilant removal of stray runners to keep moneywort from taking over areas where you don’t want it.
Is creeping Jenny the same as moneywort, and is it invasive?
Creeping Jenny is a common name for Lysimachia nummularia, the same species known as moneywort. In some regions, especially near waterways and in mild climates, it can behave invasively by escaping gardens and colonizing natural habitats. Always check your local invasive species lists and regulations before planting.
Grow Moneywort Wisely—and Keep It Under Control
Moneywort can be a beautiful, hardworking groundcover, turning problem spots into vibrant carpets of green or gold. But its vigor is a double-edged sword. With smart placement, good edging, and regular maintenance, you can enjoy the visual impact of moneywort while protecting your garden—and nearby natural areas—from unwanted spread.
If you’re considering moneywort for your landscape, start by checking regional guidance on its invasive status, then plan a planting and containment strategy that fits your site. For site-specific recommendations and safe alternatives, reach out to your local cooperative extension or a reputable native-plant nursery. Taking that extra step now will help you create a lush, low-growing groundcover display you can appreciate for years, without battling an uninvited takeover.
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