Does it need full sun?

No, it much prefers partial to full shade.

Can I grow it in a pot?

It does well in a container if kept consistently moist.

Plant guide

Yellow pimpernel.

Lysimachia nemorum

Pronounced ly-si-MAK-ee-uh NEM-or-um

Also known as Yellow Pimpernel

The yellow pimpernel is a lovely, low growing perennial that loves damp, shaded spots in the garden. It spreads gently along the ground, creating a soft carpet of bright green foliage. You will enjoy its cheerful, star shaped yellow flowers throughout the spring and summer months.

Another photo of Yellow pimpernel — Photo by Sarah C. (CC0) via gbif

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Perennial
Light: Partial shade to full shade
Indoor light: Medium light
Water: Every 3 to 7 days
Mature size: 6 to 12 inches
Growth rate: Medium
Hardiness: USDA 5 to 9
Bloom time: Late spring to mid summer

Care

Keep the soil consistently moist to mimic its natural woodland habitat. Watch for wilting, which indicates the plant is drying out too much. It thrives best when protected from harsh, direct afternoon sun.

Watering: Keep the soil damp to the touch at all times.
Feeding: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer during the active growing season.
Pruning: Trim back leggy stems after flowering to encourage a bushier shape.
Repotting: Refresh the soil and move to a slightly larger pot if the plant becomes root bound.
Soil: Moist, humus rich, well draining soil
Soil pH: Neutral to slightly acidic
Temperature: -15 to 25°C
Humidity: 50 to 80%
Drought tolerance: Low
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 3 to 5 years.
Deer and rabbits: Moderate

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
The plant dries out very quickly between waterings.

Safety

People: There is no significant toxicity reported for humans, but it is best to avoid ingestion.
Children: The plant is not known to be dangerous, but it is always wise to keep small children from eating garden plants.
Contact allergens: Contact with the foliage may cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Airborne allergens: There are no notable airborne allergens associated with this plant.
Edibility: This plant is not considered edible and should be kept away from food preparation areas.

How to identify it

Opposite, oval shaped bright green leaves
Single bright yellow star shaped flowers
Creeping stems that root at nodes
Smooth, hairless stems and foliage

Height: 0.05 to 0.2m
Spread: 0.3 to 0.6m
Leaves: bright green, semi-evergreen
Flowers: yellow, 1 to 2cm

Problems to watch for

Slugs · Slugs often feed on the tender leaves during damp weather.

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: division, cuttings
When to plant: spring, autumn
Overwintering: It is hardy and generally stays green in mild winters, though it may die back in colder regions. Simply clear away any dead debris in early spring to encourage fresh growth.
In containers: It grows well in containers at least 20 centimeters wide, provided the soil is kept moist.

Division

1. Dig up a clump in spring or autumn.
2. Gently pull the rooted stems apart.
3. Replant the sections immediately in moist soil.

Pair this with other shade loving plants that appreciate consistent moisture to create a lush woodland carpet.

Grows well with

Wood Anemone · They share similar woodland habitat requirements.
Common Fern · The fern provides a nice textural contrast to the low growing foliage.

Similar species

Creeping Jenny · It is a close relative with a similar creeping habit but rounder leaves.

Science

Family: Primulaceae
Genus: Lysimachia
Order: Ericales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Europe and parts of western Asia.
Conservation: It is common throughout its range and is not of conservation concern.

It spreads through creeping stems that root at the nodes, allowing it to form dense mats in moist, shaded forest floors.

Value to wildlife: nectar source
Pollinators: bees
Uses: ground cover, woodland garden, rock garden

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 1/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 3/9
Temperature: 5/9
Moisture: 7/9
Nutrients: 5/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Does it need full sun?: No, it much prefers partial to full shade.
Can I grow it in a pot?: It does well in a container if kept consistently moist.

Where the name comes from

The name Lysimachia honors King Lysimachus of Thrace, while nemorum refers to its preference for growing in woods or groves.

Good to know

It thrives in the dappled shade of deciduous woodlands.
The stems often root where they touch the soil, helping it spread.
It is a classic indicator of ancient woodland sites in some regions.

Also in

Plants for shade

Keep your yellow pimpernel growing

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This guide was generated with AI on October 19, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.