Troubleshooting
Golden Creeping Jenny problems — and how to fix them
Golden Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia 'Aurea') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Leaf yellowing and dieback in dry soil
More than almost any other perennial ground cover, this cultivar is intolerant of dry soil. Yellowing leaves are the first sign of drought stress. Water immediately and mulch heavily to retain soil moisture.
Invasive spread in moist sites
In ideal wet, warm conditions the plant spreads rapidly and can smother smaller plants. Lift and thin annually in spring. In naturalistic pond-edge settings, the spread is usually an asset.
Reversion to green in deep shade
In very low light the golden foliage loses its vivid colouring and becomes lime-green. Move plants to a brighter position — morning sun or dappled light — to restore the characteristic gold.
Prevent golden creeping jenny problems before they start
Most golden creeping jenny issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Golden Creeping Jenny problems — FAQ
Why is my golden creeping jenny leaf yellowing and dieback in dry soil?
More than almost any other perennial ground cover, this cultivar is intolerant of dry soil. Yellowing leaves are the first sign of drought stress. Water immediately and mulch heavily to retain soil moisture.
Why is my golden creeping jenny invasive spread in moist sites?
In ideal wet, warm conditions the plant spreads rapidly and can smother smaller plants. Lift and thin annually in spring. In naturalistic pond-edge settings, the spread is usually an asset.
Why is my golden creeping jenny reversion to green in deep shade?
In very low light the golden foliage loses its vivid colouring and becomes lime-green. Move plants to a brighter position — morning sun or dappled light — to restore the characteristic gold.