A superb ground cover plant from southern China, Lysimachia paridiformis var stenophylla is a low growing evergreen ground cover plant that grows and flowers well in light to medium shaded area of the garden.
Regarded as one of the best of the genus, with common names including Chinese loosestrife, Gold Moneywort, Golden Creeping Jenny, and Golden Pennywort do not seem to be right, and if used may become confused with other species.
This a clump forming plant, rosettes of lance shaped glossy green leaves and in summer, golden yellow flowers appearing in the centre of each rosette.
It can reach around 50cm (20 inches) in height and will spread slowly to 1m or so. (3 – 4 ft)
It is regarded as non – invasive, is easy care once established and a must have for the shade garden.
Two forms of this plant are available Lysimachia paridiformis var stenophylla is the one we prefer, narrower leaves than those of Lysimachia paridiformis itself.
The rosette like flowers sit in the middle of individual whorls of glossy green leaves.
How to Grow Lysimachia paridiformis var stenophylla
Best grown in temperate climates in a humus rich moist soil. Part shade or filtered light is best.
- Prepare soil well before planting. Weed and dig in compost and some aged cow manure.
- Plant and water in with a liquid seaweed fertiliser.
- Mulch around the plant to help maintain moisture and a cool root run.
- Water regularly through the first summer.
- Renew mulch each spring and apply a slow release organic type fertiliser.
- Deep water during long dry spells.
Garden Uses:
Excellent for shaded borders, woodland gardens, and as a ground cover in moist, cool environments.
Propagation
Propagation is easy by division of established clump and also possible from seed. Seed only seems to set reliably in warmer climate zones.
The best time to divide clumps is in early spring or in autumn/fall in warmer climate zones.
Propagation is probably best by cuttings taken in autumn/fall especially in warmer climates. These will usually set roots over winter and you will have a good sized plant in 2 seasons.
Water propagation of Lysimachia paridiformis var stenophylla is said to be possible, however not recommended by us as the cuttings form stronger root systems more efficiently.
Whats in a Name?
Lysimachia
Origin: Greek. Meaning: Named after Lysimachus, a general of Alexander the Great and later King of Thrace.
Lysis meaning “loosening” or “release”
Machē meaning “battle” or “fight”
The plant was believed to have calmed animals or had medicinal/soothing properties.
paridiformis
- Paris a genus of plants (such as Paris quadrifolia) in the Melanthiaceae family
- formis meaning “in the shape/form of”
So Having the form of Paris” or “Paris-like” like foliage resemblance to species in the Paris genus.
stenophylla
From the Greek
- Stenos meaning “narrow”
- Phyllon meaning “leaf”
So “Narrow-leaved” — or lance-shaped leaves.
Paris a genus of plants (such as Paris quadrifolia) in the Melanthiaceae family
Plant Profile: Lysimachia paridiformis var. stenophylla
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Botanical Classification:
- Genus: Lysimachia
- Species: paridiformis
- Variety: stenophylla
- Family: Primulaceae
- Common Names: Narrow-leaved Lysimachia (no widely recognized common name)
- Growth Habit: Clump-forming, spreading, rhizomatous ground cover
- Height: 20–40 cm (8–16 inches)
- Width: 30–60 cm (12–24 inches)
- Time to Ultimate Height: 2–3 years
- Light: Partial shade to full shade
- Climate Zone: USDA zones 6–9 (temperate climates)
- Plant Usage: Woodland gardens, shaded borders, ground cover, containers
- Plant Environment: Cool, moist woodland or shaded areas
- Frost Tolerance: Moderate to good; deciduous in cold climates
- Drought Tolerance: Low; requires consistent moisture
- Soil Type: Loamy, humus-rich, well-drained
- Soil Moisture: Moist, but not waterlogged
- PH Level: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0)
- Ecology: Attracts Wildlife: Bees and pollinators
- Flower Colour: Bright yellow, star-shaped
- Flowering Time: Late spring to early summer
- Foliage Type: Deciduous
- Foliage Colour: Deep green, narrow lance-shaped leaves
- Autumn / Fall Colour: Leaves may yellow slightly before dying back
- Lifespan: Long-lived perennial (5+ years with proper care)
More Shade Plants
Other species include Lysimachia nummularia – Commonly called creeping Jenny.