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Creeping Charlie info



In APD#995, Patricia Kantor asked about 'Creeping Charlie.'  Here is some 
information I hope helps:

LYSIMACHIA (Lysimach'ia)

DESCRIPTION: These hardy and tender perennials and annuals are found 
throughout the temperate and subtropical regions of the Northern Hemisphere.  
A few grow wild in Australia, South Africa and South America.  Few of the 
Loosestrifes have value in the garden.  L. clethroides (Gooseneck 
Loosestrifes) is a vigorous growing perennial from Japan that forms clumps of 
lance-shaped, mid-green leaves that are yellowish when young.  The tiny, 
star-shaped, white flowers are borne in compact, slender spikes that are 
nodding when in bud, but straighten up when in full bloom.  This plant grows 
up to 3 feet high with a spread of 2 or 3 feet.  L. punctata (Garden 
Loosestrifes) is an erect-growing perennial, up to 3 feet high, from 
southeastern and central Europe to Turkey.  The lance-to elliptic-shaped, 
mid-green leaves grow in whorls of 3 or 4.  The small, bright yellow flowers 
are borne in the axis of the leaves at the ends of vertical stems, over long 
periods in the summer.  L. Nummularia (Creeping Charlie, Creeping Jennie and 
Moneywort) is a trailing plant with large, yellow flowers borne on short 
stems from the axis of the round leaves.  Its variety aurea has 
greenish-yellow leaves.  These plants are great for planting on the edges of 
the water garden.  L. pseudo-Henryi is also a creeping plant and is from 
Asia.  It has fleshy leaves and large, golden yellow flowers with darker 
centers.  It is suitable for the rock garden. 

POTTING: Plant Loosestrifes in moist, fertile soil that has adequate 
drainage.  They should be planted in a partially shaded location.  L. 
punctata may be invasive because it spreads by rhizomes.  If necessary, 
control spread by digging out excessive growth from the edges of the clumps.  
Creeping Jennie, L. Nummularia, can be grown in one-gallon containers and 
placed in 1 to 6 inches of water, in a partially shaded location. 

PROPAGATION: Seeds may be sown or they may be divided in the spring or fall.  
Stem cuttings may be taken in the spring or early summer and inserted in sand 
in a cold frame. 

VARIETIES: L. barystachys; L. clethroides; L. Ephemerum; L. Nummularia & var. 
grandiflora; L. pseudo-Henryi; L. vulgaris; L. punctata. 

James Watford
Columbia, SC