Moneywort

Family Primulaceae. Widely distributed in the European part of Russia, the pre-Caucasus, Western Europe, the Mediterranean, the Balkans, in Japan and North America.

Perennial plant with a creeping stem up to 30 cm long. Leaves on short petioles, opposite, ovate, up to 2.5 cm long. Flowers solitary, axillary, yellow, up to 2.5 cm in diameter. Blooms for 15-20 days. The start of flowering depends on site light conditions; in well-lit locations flowering occurs in June; by shading or planting in shaded spots, one can influence flowering times. In nature flowering plants can be encountered from late May to August. A distinctive feature of this species is its ability to form a carpet not only on horizontal surfaces but also on fairly steep slopes. The "overhangs" of its shoots on vertical surfaces are very decorative.

It propagates very well vegetatively and has a very high reproduction coefficient. It can be propagated by separating rooted shoots throughout the season. The plant is undemanding. It grows well in moist spots in sun and partial shade. It tolerates drought fairly well, can withstand prolonged flooding, and is resistant to mowing and trampling. For ornamental purposes it is mainly used as a valuable decorative foliage plant. It can be used to create large carpeted patches in shade. It can be used to decorate small built structures on the soil surface. Moneywort is especially good for decorating the banks of water bodies, as its long hanging shoots look beautiful in the upper layers of water in a pool.