Moneywort, also known as Lysimachia nummularia, is a perennial plant that has become popular among gardeners due to its bright green foliage and ability to form mats of low-growing foliage. The groundcover-like growth and golden yellow flowers make it a great choice for borders and as a soil cover. Moneywort is easy to propagate from cuttings, and with a little knowledge, gardeners can have a healthy moneywort patch in their garden in no time.
Getting Started With Moneywort Propagation
The best time to propagate moneywort is in the spring, when the plant is just beginning to emerge from its winter dormancy. To get started, you'll need to select a healthy, non-flowering stem from the parent plant. Stems should be about two to four inches long and taken from the outer edge of the plant. Once you have a stem, you can prepare it for propagation.
Preparing the Cutting
Before you plant your moneywort cutting, you'll need to prepare it. Start by removing any leaves and flowers from the stem, leaving only the topmost two sets of leaves intact. Then, use a sharp knife or garden shears to cut the stem at a 45-degree angle just below a node. You may also need to remove some of the surrounding soil or mulch in order to expose the node.
Planting the Cutting
Now that the cutting is prepared, you can plant it. Choose a spot in your garden with well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. Dig a hole slightly deeper than the length of the cutting and fill it with soil. Place the cutting in the hole and gently press the soil around it to firm it in place. Water the cutting thoroughly and keep the soil moist until the cutting is established.
Establishing the Moneywort
Once the cutting is planted, it's important to give it the right conditions so it can establish itself. Moneywort prefers a soil pH of 6.0 to 7.0, so you may need to adjust the pH of your soil if necessary. It also needs to be kept evenly moist, so you'll need to water it regularly. Depending on the climate, you may need to provide the cutting with some shade during the hottest part of the day.
Caring for Established Moneywort
Once the moneywort cutting has established itself, it's important to provide it with the right care. Moneywort should be watered regularly, especially during dry spells. A layer of mulch at the base of the plant can help conserve moisture. Moneywort can also benefit from occasional fertilization with a balanced fertilizer.
Potential Problems
Moneywort is generally a low-maintenance plant, but it can be affected by a few common pests and diseases. Slugs, snails, and aphids can all be problematic for moneywort, so it's important to keep an eye out for signs of infestation. Powdery mildew, rust, and leaf spot can also affect moneywort, so it's important to inspect the plant regularly.
Moneywort Propagation: The Bottom Line
Moneywort is a beautiful, low-maintenance plant that can bring a lot of life to any garden. By following the steps outlined in this article, gardeners can successfully propagate moneywort and enjoy its bright green foliage and golden yellow flowers. Moneywort propagates quickly and easily, so gardeners can have a healthy moneywort patch in no time.