Some plants seem perfectly designed for container growing, and creeping Jenny, or moneywort, definitely fits in this category. Because it can be extremely invasive when grown in the ground, it’s actually recommended for container growing only!
Whether you grow it from seed or cuttings, creeping Jenny will quickly spread, creating a mat of runners within a short span of time. The small yellow flowers start blooming in late spring and may continue into the early fall. Individual flowers fade within a few days, but are soon replaced with more.
How to Care for Potted Creeping Jenny?
- Plant creeping Jenny in a large pot with loose, well-draining soil rich in organic matter.
- Water when the surface of the soil dries out.
- Keep your potted creeping Jenny in full sun or partial shade, with protection from afternoon sun in extremely hot weather.
Can Creeping Jenny Survive the Winter in Pots?
Creeping Jenny is extremely hardy and can survive winters as far north as zone 3, and possibly zone 2. You may worry that it has died when the foliage withers away, but it’s simply concentrating its energies on its roots through the cold months. As long as its container is large enough to provide insulation from the surrounding soil, it should start putting out fresh growth the following spring.
Potted Creeping Jenny Temperature Tolerance?
Creeping Jenny can survive winter temperatures as low as -30°F (-34°C); although its foliage will be killed off, the roots will send up fresh shoots in the spring. It will grow best between 55-75°F (12-24°C). In really hot weather, it’s best to move your potted creeping Jenny into a shady location.
Do Potted Creeping Jenny Come Back Each Year?
In zones 7 to 11, creeping Jenny is an evergreen perennial, keeping its foliage all winter, although it probably won’t bloom until the spring. In colder climates, while the leaves may die off in winter, it will roar back to life when temperatures warm up in spring.
When Should You Plant Creeping Jenny in a Pot?
You can plant creeping Jenny in a pot at any time of the year, although your best chance for summer flowers is after a spring planting. Use a well-draining soil mixture that will stay consistently moist, and always make sure that the pot has good drainage holes.
Creeping Jenny is a great plant to grow in a mixed container, as it is a naturally trailing plant that can be used as a “spiller”.
How Long Do Potted Creeping Jenny Take to Grow?
Potted creeping Jenny grows fast. If you plant a small seedling in a mixed container, be prepared to trim its spread back multiple times during the growing season, or it may choke out your other plants.
Read our related post “How Often Should You Water Creeping Jenny?” here.
How Long Will Potted Creeping Jenny Last Inside?
Creeping Jenny is not only perfect for outdoor container plantings, but also as a houseplant. A potted creeping Jenny plant can be expected to last as long as 10 years. Indoors, its foliage will stay fresh and attractive all winter, and its trailing habit makes it ideal for planting in a hanging basket or in a pot set on a high shelf.
What Special Precautions Are Needed When Growing Creeping Jenny?
Creeping Jenny is native to Europe, but has become ubiquitous in North America. Because it is so hardy and spreads so quickly, it is considered an invasive plant in many regions.
This rapid spreading habit can be kept under control by planting creeping Jenny in containers, but even then, there are precautions to take when handling this fast-growing perennial.
New plants can root from stem cuttings, so after you’ve pruned it to restrain its growth, don’t just toss them into your compost pile or onto the ground. Instead of decomposing, there’s a good chance you’ll simply be creating new plants that will spread quickly.
As well, if you’re dumping out pots at the end of the season, you could end up with a whole new patch of creeping Jenny growing back from a root mass.
Instead, all pieces of a creeping Jenny plant should be disposed of in the garbage.
As well, deadhead flowers before they set seed, as the seeds could easily end up in garden beds or your lawn, where they will germinate and spread.
Final Thoughts
If you want a tough, fast-growing evergreen perennial, creeping Jenny is a perfect choice! It’s almost impossible to kill, and in fact, your biggest problem will be keeping it from spreading too vigorously, but it’s a lovely trailing plant for adding to a patio or porch container planting.
See how long other potted plants last:
- How Long Do Potted Dracaena Last?
- How Long Do Potted Coleus Last?
- How Long Do Potted Hibiscus Last?
- How Long Do Potted Easter Lilies Last?
- How Long Do Potted Marigolds Last?
- How Long Do Potted Azaleas Last?
- How Long Do Potted Chrysanthemums Last? (Mums)
Janice is a retired High School teacher who is spending her leisure years keeping busy with all sorts of projects. Aside from freelance writing, she’s an enthusiastic amateur chef, home wine maker, and tends a large raised-bed vegetable garden, while at the same time running a Bed & Breakfast.