Chrysogonum virginianum (Green & Gold)

Article by Extension Master Gardener℠ volunteer Kathryn Copley

Green and Gold is a native, semi-evergreen, rhizom-atous, low-growing, low-maintenance perennial that typically forms an easily controlled foliage mat 1- to 2-in. tall while spreading to 18-in. wide or more.

Each yellow, daisy-like flower has five rounded, slightly-notched petals and a center tuft of yellow disk flowers. In areas with hot summers, bloom is profuse in spring and usually becomes sparse or stops in the heat of summer, with a light rebloom in fall. Flowering stems rise above the foliage mat to 8- to 10-in. tall, depending on variety. Remove spent flower stems for best ground cover appearance.

Use Green and Gold as a shady ground cover in woodland gardens, native-plant gardens or natural-ized areas where flowers attracts bees, butterflies, pollinators, and songbirds (which eat the seeds).

Three naturally occurring varieties of Chrysogonum virginianum are found in the Eastern United States, occupying slightly over-lapping regions. The northern-most variety, C. virginianum var. virginianum, is with-out stolons and not considered mat-forming. This vari-ety is also the tallest in bloom, with flowering stem height of 6 to 13 inches, and has the longest bloom time. The southern-most variety, C. virgini-anum var. australe, has the longest stolon length (5- to 24-in. long). The flowering stems are shorter — only ¾-in. to 1 ½-in. tall. The variety in the central por-tion of the range, C. virginianum var. brevistolon, has shorter stolon lengths (1- to 2½-in. long), and similar flowering stem heights to C. virginianum var. australe. The faster spreading C. virginianum var. australe will colonize larger woodland sites more quickly.

Green and Gold is easily grown in average, medium-moisture, well-drained soils high in organic matter in sun-dappled part shade to full shade. It will toler-ate full sun only if grown in consistently moist soils. Plants will need supplemental water during periods of summer drought or if exposed to afternoon sun. Plant establishment is enhanced with the addition of a slow-release, organic fertilizer mixed into the planting soil.

In the fall, propagate Green and Gold varieties that produce stolons by cutting and digging the stolons that have taken root where they touch the soil. Plants can also be propagated by division of the crown in late spring. Seedlings may be found near the base of established plants and transplanted most successfully in the fall. Seeds may be collected and sown in a fine potting mix at 70 to 75 degrees F. Germination will occur in about 3 weeks.

Green and Gold is moderately resistant to deer damage. It has no serious insect or disease problems, but there is some susceptibility to mildew. Snails and slugs may eat holes in the newer spring foliage, but damage is rarely significant.

Resources

• NC Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox: Chrysogonum repens
• NC Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox: Chrysogonum virginianum
• Home & Garden Information Center: Green & Gold

By Kathryn Copley, Extension Master Gardener SM Volunteer, Brunswick County, NC For more information on gardening in Brunswick County, please call the Brunswick County Cooperative Extension Office 910-253-2610