Is Creeping Jenny Drought Tolerant? The Surprising Ability of This Versatile Groundcover

Creeping jenny also known by its botanical name Lysimachia nummularia is a popular groundcover plant known for its bright yellow cup-shaped flowers and trailing habit. But is this versatile plant also drought tolerant? As a gardener, I’m always on the lookout for plants that can withstand dry conditions, which led me to research creeping jenny’s water requirements. What I discovered is that this dependable perennial has some remarkable dry tolerance that makes it ideal for low-maintenance and drought-prone areas.

An Overview of Creeping Jenny

Before diving into creeping jenny’s drought tolerance, let’s review some key facts about this plant. Creeping jenny is an herbaceous perennial in the Primrose family, native to Europe and parts of Asia. It spreads vigorously by creeping stems that take root as they go, forming a lush emerald green carpet of foliage. The leaves are round to kidney-shaped and have a subtly ruffled texture. From early to mid-summer, bright yellow cup-shaped flowers appear, each about 1 inch wide. These blooms attract pollinators before giving way to small green seed pods.

In terms of growth habit, creeping jenny is a rapid spreader that can reach up to 2 feet in height but more commonly stays under 6 inches tall. It can spread 1-2 feet per year and easily cover several square feet when happy. This rampant growth makes it an excellent groundcover for large areas, as well as a striking “spiller” in containers. It looks particularly lovely around ponds and streams or planted between stepping stones or pavers where it can drape gracefully.

Hardiness is another notable feature of this plant Creeping jenny thrives in USDA zones 3-9, making it cold hardy through most of the country It also tolerates part sun to full shade, though the brightest yellow flowers appear with some sun. Well-drained soil with average fertility is preferred, but creeping jenny adapts readily to different soil types and conditions.

Drought Tolerance of Creeping Jenny

Now back to the original question – is creeping jenny drought tolerant? After researching multiple sources, the consensus is a resounding yes! This tough groundcover has a remarkable ability to withstand dry conditions. While creeping jenny excels with regular watering, it can get by on little supplemental water once established. The dense mat of stems and roots help it retain moisture, and the waxy round leaves limit transpiration. Creeping jenny has been described as having “exemplary drought tolerance.”

Several sources note that established creeping jenny may only need watering every 2-4 weeks in the absence of rain sometimes even less frequently. One article says it can subsist on natural rainfall alone in regions with precipitation of 30 inches or more per year. The extreme heat tolerance and adaptability of creeping jenny also contribute to its drought resistance. Overall, this is clearly a plant that can handle drier conditions if needed.

Of course, any plant will fare better with adequate moisture. To keep creeping jenny looking its best, aim for about 1 inch of water per week either from rain or supplemental watering. This will encourage faster filling in and more prolific blooming. Morning watering is ideal to reduce fungal disease. Drip irrigation under a layer of mulch helps conserve water. But even if you miss a few weeks, this tough plant will hang on!

Best Uses for Drought Tolerant Creeping Jenny

The fact that creeping jenny retains its verdant lushness even with limited water makes it the perfect choice for certain landscape situations:

• Rock gardens – Excellent drape between rocky crevices.

• Hellstrips and curbside plantings – Handles heat reflection off pavement.

• Dry shade under trees – Thrives with little supplemental water.

• Steep banks – Roots tenaciously to control erosion.

• Rain gardens and drainage swales – Tolerates saturated soil then dry periods.

• Xeriscapes and low-water landscapes – A thriving green backdrop for water-wise plants.

• Paths and walkways – Softens the edges while satisfying its spreading habit.

• Between flagstones – Roots avoid cracks while filling in gaps.

• Containers – Trails gracefully from mixed planters and hanging baskets.

Caring for Creeping Jenny

To help creeping jenny look its best while minimizing water usage, here are some growing tips:

• Select a site with partial sun to full shade. At least 4 hours of sun maintains the brightest color.

• Plant in humus-rich, moderately fertile soil. Amend clay or sandy soils to improve drainage.

• Space plants 12-18 inches apart to encourage fuller growth more quickly.

• Apply a 2-4 inch layer of organic mulch such as bark or compost. Replenish as needed.

• Irrigate weekly if rainfall is less than 1 inch, adjusting for drought.

• Prune anytime to remove damaged foliage or shape overgrowth.

• Divide congested plants in spring every 2-3 years to rejuvenate.

• Watch for aphids and spider mites. Treat promptly to avoid infestations.

With minimal care, creeping jenny provides a maintenance-free carpet of flowering green. Best of all, you can rely on this tough plant to thrive through dry spells with little or no supplemental irrigation. The exceptional drought tolerance makes creeping jenny a smart choice for low-water gardens and problem areas plagued by drought. Give this underappreciated groundcover a try – you’re sure to love its versatility!