Green and Gold: A Southern Native Groundcover That Shines in Shade
If you’ve been searching for a cheerful groundcover that actually thrives in those tricky shaded spots, let me introduce you to green and gold (Chrysogonum virginianum var. australe). This delightful native perennial might just become your new favorite shade garden companion, especially if you’re gardening in the southeastern United States.
What Makes Green and Gold Special?
Green and gold is a charming forb – basically a non-woody perennial that stays low to the ground and spreads to form a lovely carpet of foliage. What sets this particular variety apart is its bright yellow, star-shaped flowers that seem to glow against its heart-shaped, deep green leaves. It’s like having little suns scattered across your shade garden floor!
This plant goes by the botanical name Chrysogonum virginianum var. australe, and you might occasionally see it referenced by its synonym Chrysogonum australe. But let’s stick with the friendly green and gold – it perfectly captures this plant’s winning color combination.
A True Southern Native
Green and gold is a proud native of the southeastern United States, naturally growing across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi. This southern heritage means it’s perfectly adapted to the climate and growing conditions of the region, making it an excellent choice for gardeners looking to support local ecosystems while creating beautiful landscapes.
Why Your Garden (and Local Wildlife) Will Love It
There are plenty of reasons to consider adding green and gold to your landscape:
- It’s a problem-solver for shady areas where many plants struggle
- The bright yellow flowers provide nectar for small bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators
- It’s low-maintenance once established – perfect for busy gardeners
- Creates an attractive groundcover that suppresses weeds naturally
- Blooms from spring through fall, providing long-lasting color
Perfect Garden Settings
Green and gold truly shines in woodland gardens, shade borders, and naturalized areas. It’s particularly wonderful for:
- Under-planting beneath trees and shrubs
- Filling in problem areas where grass won’t grow
- Native plant gardens focused on southeastern species
- Rain gardens and areas with consistent moisture
- Pollinator gardens in shaded locations
Growing Conditions That Make It Happy
One of the best things about green and gold is that it’s relatively easy-going about its growing conditions. Here’s what it prefers:
- Light: Partial to full shade (though it can handle some morning sun)
- Soil: Moist, well-drained soil that doesn’t dry out completely
- Climate: USDA hardiness zones 6-9
- Space: Spreads naturally by stolons to form colonies
Planting and Care Tips
Getting green and gold established in your garden is refreshingly straightforward:
- Plant in spring after the last frost for best establishment
- Space plants about 12-18 inches apart if you want quicker coverage
- Water regularly during the first growing season to help roots establish
- Apply a thin layer of mulch to help retain moisture
- Once established, it’s quite drought-tolerant but performs best with consistent moisture
- Deadhead spent flowers if you want to encourage more blooms, though this isn’t necessary
A Few Things to Consider
While green and gold is generally a well-behaved garden citizen, here are a few points to keep in mind:
- It spreads naturally, so give it room or plan to divide clumps occasionally
- In ideal conditions, it can be quite vigorous – which is great if you need groundcover but something to monitor in smaller spaces
- It may go dormant in very hot, dry summers but typically bounces back with fall rains
The Bottom Line
If you’re gardening in the southeastern United States and need a reliable, attractive groundcover for shaded areas, green and gold deserves serious consideration. It’s a native plant that supports local wildlife, requires minimal care once established, and provides cheerful color from spring through fall. What more could you ask for from a groundcover?
Plus, there’s something deeply satisfying about growing a plant that truly belongs in your local landscape. Green and gold has been thriving in southeastern woodlands long before any of us started gardening – and with a little help from you, it can bring that same natural beauty to your own backyard.
