Lysimachia nummularia ‘Aurea’ (17/08/2014, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun to partial shade
Flowering period: Early summer
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 5cm
Eventual Spread: 1m
Hardiness: 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a
Family: Myrsinaceae
Lysimachia nummularia ‘Aurea’ is a fast growing evergreen herbaceous perennial with a prostrate spreading habit. Its golden/ lime green leaves are ovate with entire margins, up to 15mm long and 10mm broad. Its yellow flowers are cup shaped and u to 2cm across. Its leaf nodes will root where they touch the soil.
The species Lysimachia nummularia , commonly known as Creeping Jenny, Moneywort or Herb Twopence, is native to most of Europe, including the UK. In its native habitat it grows in pastures and river banks. Lysimachia nummularia ‘Aurea’ is commonly known as Golden Creeping Jenny. This plant may be invasive given the right conditions.
The etymological root of the binomial name Lysimachia is derived from the Greek lusimaxos meaning ‘ending strife’ and is named after the Thracian king Lysimachus. Nummularia is from the Latin meaning ‘the changing of foreign currency’. Aurea is from the Latin meaning ‘golden’.
The landscape architect may find Lysimachia nummularia ‘Aurea’ useful as an effective ground cover plant suitable for damp soils including pond margins and rain gardens. Care should e taken when specifying this plant as it may spread aggressively given the right conditions.
Ecologically, Lysimachia nummularia ‘Aurea’ flowers are attractive to pollinating insects.
The Royal Horticultural Society has given Lysimachia nummularia ‘Aurea’ their prestigious Award of Garden Merit in 1993.
Lysimachia nummularia ‘Aurea’ Leaf (17/08/2014, Kew Gardens, London)
Lysimachia nummularia ‘Aurea’ prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil. This plant will tolerate wet soils and dislikes dry soils.
Lysimachia nummularia ‘Aurea’ requires little maintenance. Excess growth my be removed as necessary.
