Why Is My Creeping Jenny Dying [And What To Do About It]

Creeping Jenny, also known as moneywort, is a well-loved perennial that's easy to grow with little effort. It has small, coin-shaped leaves that bloom tiny yellow flowers for a short while. However, no plant is indestructible. Even Creeping Jenny can have its fair share of problems. So, you might wonder why your Creeping Jenny is dying? We have thoroughly researched the answer for you, so look no further!

Most of the time, Jenny dies due to sun stress or pest infestation. Summertime can bring extreme heat, either wilting or killing the plant if not adequately watered or shaded. Furthermore, bugs or diseases can hurt Jenny if not properly cared for. 

Despite that, don't worry! There are some easy tips and tricks to remedy these problems. 

What is sun stress anyways? And, what kind of soil does Creeping Jenny like? Also, can you propagate Creeping Jenny? Continue reading for answers to these questions and more!

Garden large group of overhanging creeping jenny (Cerastium tomentosum). - Why Is My Creeping Jenny Dying [And What To Do About It]

Why Is My Creeping Jenny Dying?

Garden large group of overhanging creeping jenny (Cerastium tomentosum).

We want to help you save your Creeping Jenny from kicking the bucket. There's nothing worse than spending time and money on plants only to have them die or wilt. Let's review some common ways Creeping Jenny bites the dust and what to do about it.

Sun Stress And What To Do About It?

Sun stress happens when a plant has too much sunlight. Creeping Jenny does best in sun to partial shade. So, if you have a spot where your plant is getting only direct sunlight, then it's time to reassess.

Some excellent ways to shade your Creeping Jenny from the harsh sun. Here are five great ways to shade your plant:

Shade Cloth

Comfortable, reliable shelter of a rose from northern frosts with a breathable woven material.

Although it's not the most attractive option, a shade cloth will do the trick. Shade cloths are made of woven or knitted fabric that can cool your plants by up to 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Shade cloths are easy to install and aren't permanent, making them a popular choice.

Click here to see this shade cloth on Amazon,

Mulching

The man's hands in gardening gloves are sorting through the chopped wood of the trees. Mulching the tree trunk circle with wood chips. Organic matter of natural origin

Mulch is used to spread around plants to protect them from extreme heat or cold. Because it insulates plants from harsh elements, this is a perfect choice for helping your Jenny thrive. It's also attractive and helps increase the curb appeal of your home. 

Additionally, mulch is easy to find at any home improvement store and usually at a low price. 

Watering Thoroughly

Watering salad in raised bed in garden. Gardening in spring time.

Thoroughly watering your Creeping Jenny might seem obvious. But, it might need extra water if the plant is still dying or wilting. The best time of the day to water is early in the morning. This will help keep your plants cool and happy in the sunniest parts of the day.

On top of that, water thoroughly and deeply. This helps the plant to stand a chance in a heat wave and establish a better, more extensive root system.

Pergola

Back Yard Pergola Covering Blue Cushion Patio Furniture

A pergola is a wooden structure with slats to provide a happy medium between shade and sun. Most people use a pergola around the patio area to barbeque or hang with friends and family.

Keep in mind that this is a bigger project to take on. Likewise, if you have an existing pergola, you could place your potted creeping Jenny underneath. If not, then it's probably best to go with alternate options. 

Taller Plants

Acanthus molliis flowers. Acanthaceae evergreen perennial plants.

Transplant Creeping Jenny next to taller plants to provide a built-in shade system. Pro tip: wait to transplant until the summer heat has passed to avoid making things worse. This could end up shocking your plant and causing it to die. Err on the side of caution and wait until fall or early spring for transplanting.

What Pests Or Diseases Kill Creeping Jenny?

Thankfully, Creeping Jenny doesn't typically suffer from pests. However, a slug or two might pop up now and then but are easily controlled with slug traps. The main threat to Creeping Jenny is certain fungal diseases. Let's review the three types of fungal diseases that affect Creeping Jenny:

Botrytis Blight

This fungus attacks in rainy seasons with temperatures around 60 degrees. It appears to have gray spores that disperse like dust. Fortunately, botrytis blight is treatable with a liquid copper fungicide. 

Click here to see this copper fungicide on Amazon.

Southern Blight

Southern blight is a fungal disease that looks like spiderwebs in between plants. This fungus decomposes the roots of Creeping Jenny. Unfortunately, there is no coming back from Southern Blight. The best thing to do is dig up the plant and throw it away. 

Phyllosticta Leaf Spot

This fungal disease can also be treated with a liquid copper fungicide. It looks like brown spots on the leaves that dry up and create little holes in the leaves. According to experts, a great way to avoid Phyllosticta Leaf Spots is to avoid watering the garden with sprinklers. Instead, water at the base of the plant to prevent fungus.

Why Is My Creeping Jenny Turning Yellow?

Foliage of a Gold Lysimachia Creeping Jenny plant up close

At its healthiest, Jenny is a beautiful green color. When it turns yellow, it means that the plant has been exposed to full sun or sun stress, which causes the leaves to blanch. To avoid this, make sure to water regularly and shade the plant if possible.

Why Is My Creeping Jenny Turning Brown?

Your creeping Jenny suffers from a fungal disease if its leaves turn brown. Follow the recommended steps above on how to treat the three different types of fungal diseases. When in doubt, either remove the plant or use a copper fungicide to treat it. 

What Kind Of Soil Does Creeping Jenny Like?

Creeping Jenny prefers moist and well-drained soil. Remember to water often and don't let the soil dry out. You can often find Creeping Jenny along riverbanks where the soil is damp.

Is Creeping Jenny Hardy?

Creeping Jenny is considered invasive, therefore, hardy. It can easily choke out other plants, so plant them away from other plants at least two feet apart. Bonus tip: plant or transplant Creeping Jenny in early spring for the best results. This plant grows well in USDA zones 4-9.

Can Creeping Jenny Be Put In Pots?

Beautiful array of Mixed perennial and annual flowers in Ceramic Pots on Patio.

You can put creeping Jenny in pots! It is a lovely addition when paired with other flowers. It will gracefully flow out and over the pots creating a fun look.

Can I Walk On Creeping Jenny?

A garden footpath surrounded by groundcover.

Yes, you can lightly walk on Creeping Jenny. It goes beautifully next to stone walkways. However, don't overdo it though. Light foot traffic is best for this dense groundcover. 

Does Creeping Jenny Attract Bees?

Creeping Jenny doesn't attract butterflies, but its cousin, Creeping Charlie, does. Charlie is also a thick groundcover, just like Creeping Jenny. The difference is that Charlie looks like and smells like mint. 

Can You Propagate Creeping Jenny?

This evergreen perennial can be propagated easily and do well. It's best to plant the cuttings in a perlite mixture and place it in a window with moderate shade. You should see roots in about 2 to 4 weeks.

Wrapping It Up

As you can see, creeping Jenny isn't creepy at all! It's fairly easy to care for once you have all the tips and tricks up your sleeve. When you are uncertain about why your Creeping Jenny is dying, it's either too much sun, not enough watering, or fungal diseases. Luckily, they are all easily remedied, except for Southern Blight. 

Made it to the end? Check out these related articles:

10 Ground Cover Plants That Choke Out Weeds

How Fast Do Ground Cover Plants Grow?

11 Best Plants For Wet Clay Soil

Why Is My Creeping Jenny Dying [And What To Do About It]

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