Chrysogonum virginiana/Green and Gold
Great groundcover for shade. Mat-forming plant with long-lasting gold flowers. Trouble-free. Also known as Golden Star. You see here the variety 'Pierre', with acuba.
Native to the Eastern U.S.
Details
- Prefers partial shade and can survive full shade, with fewer blooms. In full sun, requires more moisture-retentive soil and extra watering.
- Flowers from mid-spring to late summer or early fall, depending on temperatures.
- Grows to 6" wide, about 1' wide.
- Hardy in Zones 5-9.
Care
- Remove dead flowers to prevent seeding and to encourage possible reblooms.
- OR, if you want it to spread, leave those dead blooms where they are and watch the plant fill in a large area.
- If leaves turn crispy or show signs of mildew, cut them off to the base of the plant.
- Quite drought-tolerant, especially for a plant that tolerates wet conditions, as this one does.
- Divide in early spring, if desired to help it spread or give some away.
Good Information in Print
- The Well Tended Perennial Garden
by Tracy DiSabato-Aust is the best-selling book on how to make your perennials healthier and better-looking. - Encyclopedia of Perennials
by Graham Rice is exhaustive and an outstanding general resource on the subject. - The Complete Flower Gardener
by Cutler and Ellis is another source I consult regularly.
Location Matters
The plant you see here is grown in my neighbors' garden in the Washington, D.C. area, Zone 7A. If you've grown this plant and have comments to add, send 'em along, and tell me where you garden.