Golden Creeping Jenny

Where to Plant

• Sunlight: Golden Creeping Jenny thrives in full sun for at least 6 hours to maintain its brilliant chartreuse color. It tolerates partial shade well, though the foliage will shift toward a lime green or darker forest green as light levels decrease.
• Soil: This groundcover prefers moist, organic soil but is highly adaptable to most garden types. If you have heavy clay, mix in a handful of compost to improve drainage, as while it loves moisture, it should not sit in a stagnant swamp.

Watering Requirements

During the first growing season, water twice a week to keep the soil consistently moist like a wrung-out sponge, which helps the trailing stems root at every node. Once established, it can handle occasional dry spells, but inconsistent moisture typically leads to crispy brown leaf edges and a loss of that lush, carpet-like appearance.

Pruning Tips

Since this plant is a vigorous grower, you can trim it at any time during the growing season to keep it within its boundaries. Think of it like a haircut; simply use garden shears to snip back the "legs" of the plant to encourage thicker, more dense growth in the center. Pruning is also helpful if the plant begins to look sparse, as cutting it back stimulates fresh, vibrant new stems.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer once in early spring as new growth emerges to fuel its rapid spread. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer or fall, because this can force soft, tender growth that won't have time to harden off before the first frost, leading to winter dieback.