Green and Gold: A Cheerful Native Groundcover for Shady Spots
If you’ve been searching for a low-maintenance groundcover that brings sunshine to your shady garden spots, meet Green and Gold (Chrysogonum virginianum var. brevistolon). This delightful native perennial proves that you don’t need sun-loving plants to create a bright, cheerful landscape.
What Makes Green and Gold Special?
Green and Gold is a charming herbaceous perennial that stays close to the ground, rarely growing taller than 6-10 inches. What it lacks in height, it more than makes up for in personality. The plant produces cheerful, bright yellow star-shaped flowers that seem to glow against its heart-shaped, textured green leaves. The best part? These sunny blooms appear from spring through fall, with the most spectacular show happening in late spring.
As a native forb, Green and Gold is a vascular plant without woody stems, storing its energy in underground parts that help it return year after year. It spreads naturally through stolons (horizontal stems), creating an attractive carpet over time without becoming aggressive.
Where Does Green and Gold Call Home?
This southeastern native feels right at home across Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. It’s particularly fond of the Appalachian region, where it thrives in woodland settings and along forest edges.
Why Your Garden (And Local Wildlife) Will Love It
Green and Gold isn’t just pretty to look at – it’s a valuable addition to any native garden ecosystem. The nectar-rich flowers attract small native bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators throughout its long blooming season. By choosing this native groundcover, you’re supporting local wildlife while creating a beautiful landscape.
Here’s why gardeners are falling in love with Green and Gold:
- Thrives in partial to full shade where many other flowering plants struggle
- Extremely low maintenance once established
- Long blooming season provides consistent color
- Spreads naturally to fill in bare spots
- Drought tolerant after the first year
- Supports native pollinators
Perfect Places to Plant Green and Gold
Green and Gold shines brightest in woodland gardens, shade gardens, and naturalized landscapes. It’s the perfect solution for those tricky spots under trees where grass struggles to grow. Consider using it as:
- Groundcover under deciduous trees
- Border plantings along woodland paths
- Filler in native plant gardens
- Natural carpet in rain gardens (though it’s not specifically a wetland plant)
Growing Green and Gold Successfully
One of Green and Gold’s greatest assets is how easy it is to grow. Hardy in USDA zones 5-9, this adaptable native fits into most temperate gardens with minimal fuss.
Light Requirements
While it can tolerate full shade, Green and Gold performs best in partial shade. A spot that receives morning sun and afternoon shade is ideal, though it adapts well to varying light conditions.
Soil Preferences
This forgiving plant grows happily in various soil types, from clay to sandy loam. It prefers moist, well-draining soil but becomes quite drought tolerant once established. Adding organic matter like compost will help it get off to a strong start.
Planting Tips
Plant Green and Gold in spring or fall when temperatures are moderate. Space plants 12-18 inches apart to allow for natural spreading. Water regularly during the first growing season, then step back and let this low-maintenance native do its thing.
Care and Maintenance
The beauty of Green and Gold lies in its simplicity. Once established, it requires minimal care:
- Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Water during extended dry periods, though established plants are quite drought tolerant
- Deadhead spent flowers if you want to encourage continued blooming, though it’s not necessary
- Divide every 3-4 years if you want to expand your planting or control spreading
Is Green and Gold Right for Your Garden?
Green and Gold is an excellent choice for gardeners who want to support native ecosystems while enjoying a beautiful, low-maintenance groundcover. It’s particularly valuable if you have shady areas that need brightening or if you’re creating a native plant garden.
The main consideration is its spreading nature – while not invasive, it will gradually expand its territory. This is usually a benefit for groundcover use, but make sure you have adequate space or are prepared to divide it occasionally.
With its cheerful flowers, easy-care nature, and valuable wildlife benefits, Green and Gold proves that native plants can be both beautiful and functional. Give this southeastern charmer a try, and you’ll soon understand why it’s becoming a favorite among native plant enthusiasts.
