Lysimachia

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At-A-Glance Information

This genus of vigorous perennials is commonly called Creeping Jenny or Loosestrife, and needs full sun to partial shade and moderate to regular water. Most need to be watched closely to ensure they don't invade nearby spaces, but they are great for naturalizing in woodland areas or barely maintained areas. Flowers are either yellow or white and for the most part appear in summertime.

Lysimachia Species and Varietals

The best growing zones for Juncus vary depending on the species. For more information, see the species descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Lysimachia ciliata
This species is best in zones 1-9 and 14-21, and is native to the northeastern United States. It forms an erect clump 4 feet tall and 2 feet wide, with narrow green leaves. Flowers are yellow with red-brown centers. Variety 'Firecracker' is similar to the species but has reddish leaves.

Lysimachia clethroides (Gooseneck Loosestrife)
This species, best in zones A2, A3, 1-9 and 14-24, is native to China, Japan, and Korea. It reaches 3 feet tall and and spreads a bit wider. Stems have olive green leaves and support spikes of tiny white flowers. These are long-lasting additions to cut arrangements.

Lysimachia congestiflora (Golden Globes)
Best in zones 8, 9, 14-24, H1 and H2, and native to China, this species forms a mat of foliage 4 inches tall and a foot wide. Leaves are ovular and green, and flowers are yellow and upturned. Variety 'Outback Sunset' has red-tinged leaves with yellow variegation and yellow flowers with red centers.

Lysimachia ephemerum
Best in zones 2b-10 and 14-24. This species is native to southwestern areas of Europe and has leathery gray green leaves that form a 3 foot high, 1 foot wide clump of foliage. Clusters of white flowers are long-lasting. This species is not considered invasive.

Lysimachia nummularia (Creeping Jenny, Moneywort)
This species does well in zones 1-9 and 14-24 and is native to Europe. It reaches 4-8 inches tall and spreads to 2 feet wide. This plant forms an attractive mat of light green foliage. Flowers are yellow. This is best used in containers or in corners where it has natural restraints. Great in hanging baskets and for spilling over walls and containers. Varieties include 'Aurea' (with bright gold-yellow leaves), and 'Goldilocks' (with yellow-green foliage).

Lysimachia punctata (Loosestrife)
This plant does well in zones 1-9 and 14-24, and is native to central Europe and Asia Minor. It grows to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide, spreading via underground rhizomes. Leaves are narrow and green, born in whorls on stems. Whorled flower clusters appear towards stem tips. Varieties include 'Alexander' (with cream-edged leaves to 2-3 feet tall and wide), and 'Golden Alexander' (to 2 feet tall and wide, with yellow edging on leaves. 

Caring for Festuca

Propagation

Problems and Pests

Gallery

Camellias are great candidates to be grown as container plants on your patio.
A field of thea sinensis
Camellia hiemalis 'Shishi Gashira'

Videos

A video all about growing camellias successfully
Propagating camellias

Resources

The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 425, Lysimachia
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or photos you’d like to add to the gallery, please let me know by sending me a message using the button below!
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