Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia) is the plant equivalent of sunshine on the ground—lush, golden-green, and delightfully trailing. But as the seasons shift and the first whispers of frost creep in, many gardeners panic: Will this low-growing beauty survive the cold?
The good news? Creeping Jenny can be overwintered successfully, and with a little prep, you really can protect every last leaf. Whether you grow it in containers or let it sprawl in garden beds, there are clever tricks to help your Jenny stay vibrant through the coldest months.
In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know—step-by-step—to overwinter Creeping Jenny without losing a single leaf. Ready to get started?
Understanding Creeping Jenny’s Cold Tolerance
Is Creeping Jenny a Perennial or Annual?
This trailing beauty is technically a hardy perennial in USDA zones 3–9. That means in most regions, she’ll come back every spring—if protected properly.
But here’s the catch: while the roots are hardy, the foliage can suffer or disappear in harsh winters. So the real challenge is keeping that gorgeous top growth alive and glowing.
What Happens to Creeping Jenny in Winter?
Without protection:
- Leaves may turn mushy or brown after frost.
- Entire top growth could die back, especially in containers.
- In extreme cold, even the root system might freeze.
With a little love and insulation:
- You can preserve the leaves.
- The plant rebounds faster in spring.
- You’ll avoid unsightly bare patches in your garden or planters.
Preparing Creeping Jenny for Winter
Step 1: Know Your Zone
Before anything else, check your USDA hardiness zone. This determines how much winter protection your plant will need.
- Zones 3–5: Requires heavy winter protection
- Zones 6–7: Needs moderate care
- Zones 8–9: Minimal prep—Jenny thrives year-round
Step 2: Start Before Frost Hits
Don’t wait for your first frost warning. Begin your overwintering process in early fall, when temperatures are consistently dipping below 50°F (10°C). This gives your plant time to adjust gradually.
Overwintering Creeping Jenny in the Ground
If your Jenny is growing as a groundcover, here’s how to help her face the chill.
Mulch, Mulch, Mulch
Think of mulch like a cozy blanket. Apply a thick layer (about 3–4 inches) of organic mulch over and around the plant to keep the roots insulated.
Best mulch types:
- Shredded bark
- Pine straw
- Leaf mold
- Chopped leaves
Avoid synthetic or rubber mulches—they trap too much moisture and can cause rot.
Reduce Watering
Once the soil starts cooling, cut back on watering. Creeping Jenny doesn’t like soggy soil in winter, which can lead to root rot.
Tip: Make sure your soil is well-draining. If it’s compacted, gently aerate before adding mulch.
Cover with Evergreen Boughs (Optional)
In very cold zones, lay pine branches or evergreen cuttings over the mulch to create an extra thermal layer. This also protects against harsh wind and ice damage.
Overwintering Creeping Jenny in Pots
Got your Jenny in a hanging basket or container? Pots can be trickier because the soil inside them freezes faster than ground soil.
Here’s how to keep container-grown Jenny alive (and leafy) through winter.
Option 1: Bring It Indoors
If you have indoor space with bright, indirect light (like a sunroom or enclosed porch), bring your pot inside.
Follow these tips:
- Trim lightly to keep growth tidy.
- Keep soil slightly moist, not soggy.
- Rotate the pot weekly for even light exposure.
- Mist occasionally to maintain humidity.
Warning: Don’t place it near a heater or drafty window—both can stress the plant.
Option 2: Insulate and Leave Outdoors
If bringing pots indoors isn’t an option, wrap the container with bubble wrap or burlap and elevate it off the ground using pot feet or bricks.
Then:
- Mulch the top of the soil just like you would for in-ground Jenny.
- Move the pot to a sheltered spot—next to a wall or under a covered porch is ideal.
Should You Prune Creeping Jenny Before Winter?
That depends.
- If it’s leggy or overgrown: You can lightly trim it to encourage compact, healthy regrowth.
- If it’s still lush and green: Leave it! The foliage provides natural insulation and looks great into early winter.
Never cut the plant back to the ground unless it’s already frost-damaged and mushy.
Bonus: Try These Pro Gardener Tricks
Want to level up your overwintering game? Here are some time-tested hacks from seasoned gardeners:
1. Use a Cloche for Ground Plants
A plastic garden cloche or cold frame can act like a mini greenhouse over your Creeping Jenny patch. This helps retain warmth while allowing light in.
2. Double Potting Method
Place your Creeping Jenny pot inside a slightly larger pot, and fill the gap with straw or mulch. This double-layer insulates the roots far better than a single container.
3. Don’t Fertilize Late in the Season
Stop feeding your Jenny by mid to late summer. Fertilizing in fall encourages soft, tender growth that’s more likely to die in cold weather.
What to Expect in Spring?
If you followed these steps, here’s what you’ll see when the snow melts:
- Bright green or golden leaves starting to spread again
- No mushy, dead clumps to clean up
- Faster growth and blooming in early spring
It’s like your plant never even knew it was winter.
Recap: Your Overwintering Checklist
Here’s a quick summary to keep handy:
✅ Know your USDA zone
✅ Start prep before frost hits
✅ Mulch ground plants generously
✅ Reduce watering in late fall
✅ Insulate pots (or bring indoors)
✅ Use evergreen boughs or cloches in cold zones
✅ Avoid late-season fertilizers
✅ Skip heavy pruning unless necessary