Plant Profile: Chrysogonum virginianum

Green and Gold is a low-growing, rhizomatous perennial that typically creates a manageable foliage mat, reaching heights of 1 to 2 inches and spreading over 18 inches wide. It is indigenous to woodland regions stretching from Pennsylvania down to Florida and Louisiana.

In the garden, it serves well as a ground cover in shady spots, woodland gardens, native plant landscapes, or naturalized areas. Additionally, it can be utilized as an edging plant along woodland paths or in the shaded sections of borders and rock gardens.

This plant thrives in average, medium-moisture, well-drained soils and prefers conditions ranging from part shade to full shade. It flourishes best in moist, acidic, and organically rich soils with some sunlight filtering through. While it can endure full sun, it requires consistently moist soil to do so.

To maintain an attractive ground cover, it is advisable to remove spent flower stems. Green and Gold can be propagated from seeds and may self-seed in the garden. Its growth rate is moderate to rapid, although it does have some vulnerability to mildew.

Overall, it makes an excellent choice for an evergreen ground cover.

Fire Risk: This plant is rated low in flammability.