How to Grow Shiny Penny
Wikimedia Commons
Shiny Penny
Lysichiton americanus
flowerShiny Penny is a striking perennial plant known for its glossy, heart-shaped leaves with a distinctive metallic sheen and dark burgundy undersides. It produces unique spathe flowers in spring that resemble small calla lilies, typically in shades of cream or pale yellow. This low-growing groundcover adds dramatic foliage interest to shade gardens and is prized for its ornamental leaf texture.
When should you plant Shiny Penny in your zone?
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Example Shiny Penny timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Shiny Penny
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Shiny Penny blooms
Mid-to-late summerBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Shiny Penny dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 4-9, prefers cooler regions
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Establishment
4-8 weeksYoung plants develop initial rosette of small heart-shaped leaves with visible sheen and burgundy undersides.
Keep soil consistently moist, mulch around base, protect from direct afternoon sun. Do not fertilize heavily; focus on soil moisture.
Vegetative Growth
6-12 weeksLeaf rosette expands significantly; leaves grow larger and more lustrous, with prominent veining and metallic quality becoming more pronounced.
Maintain consistent moisture, apply balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during growing season. Remove any damaged or yellowed leaves.
Flowering
2-4 weeks in spring (April-May)Low, inconspicuous flowers emerge from foliage on short spadix stems, enclosed in pale cream or yellow spathes resembling miniature calla lilies.
Continue regular watering and moisture management. Flowers are secondary to foliage; deadheading not necessary but may redirect energy to leaf growth.
Dormancy
12-16 weeks (November-March)Plant enters dormancy in winter; foliage may die back completely or persist as evergreen in warmer zones. Leaf color and sheen may become less vibrant.
Reduce watering slightly but maintain soil moisture. Do not allow soil to freeze solid. Mulch heavily in colder zones (4-5). No fertilizer needed.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase humidity, mist foliage, spray with neem oil if severe. Shiny Penny's preference for moist conditions discourages these pests.
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and
Hand-pick in early morning, use copper tape barriers, apply diatomaceous earth around plants. Beer traps and organic slug baits also effective.
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Isolate affected plants, spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Remove heavily infested foliage.
Uses
Ornamental Foliage for Arrangements
HouseholdThe glossy, burgundy-backed leaves make striking additions to shade garden designs and can be cut for exotic floral arrangements and table centerpieces. The metallic sheen and unusual texture add visual interest indoors. [source]
Shade Garden Structure
WildlifeCreates layered texture in woodland and boggy garden settings. The dense low foliage provides shelter for small creatures while the spring flowers attract pollinators. [source]
Floral Design Material
CraftUnique heart-shaped leaves with distinctive metallic sheen and burgundy undersides are prized by florists for high-end arrangements, wedding designs, and artistic foliage displays. [source]
Ground Cover for Shade
HouseholdLow-growing habit and spreading rhizomes make it effective as a living mulch in shade gardens, suppressing weeds while adding ornamental interest with its unusual leaf coloration. [source]
Harvest Tips
Shiny Penny is grown ornamentally for foliage rather than harvested. Remove spent flower spathes after blooming. Cut back dead foliage in spring after new growth appears. Select attractive individual leaves for floral arrangements and foliage designs as desired throughout the growing season.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The common name 'Shiny Penny' refers to the lustrous, coin-like appearance of the leaves, which catch light and appear to glow in shaded garden areas.
- 🌱 Despite its delicate appearance, Shiny Penny is native to wetland regions and can tolerate boggy, swampy soil conditions that would kill most ornamental plants.
- 🌱 The plant's leaf undersides have a deep burgundy or wine-red coloration that contrasts dramatically with the glossy metallic green of the upper surface, creating a striking two-tone effect.
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