A perennial herb (herbacious), it can grow between six and twelve inches in height and is said to be hardy from zones 5-8. Green and Gold can be grown in full sun to partial shade, blooming from mid-spring to mid-summer. I've read some reports that it has a preference for moist soil but it does well in the clay soil here in Virginia and many native plant growers claim it isn't bothered during times of drought. The leaves of Green and Gold have a leather-like texture and will stay green all winter in mild areas, but my plant has gone dormant and is currently showing no signs of itself!
It is a clumping ground cover which can spread out to cover wide areas of ground and provide bright spring color. As the weather warms up and spring appears, it will (hopefully) start to send up runners (kind of like strawberry plants) to form new patches. I haven't read that it grows too quickly or becomes invasive so I'm not concerned about that. In fact, my one tiny plant didn't spread much at all last summer and I would really like it to! I'm hoping that by the end of this next summer it will have taken off enough that I can divide it, which can be done by separating the rootball or by dividing the rhizomes and tubers that form. I would like to plant it in more areas around the gardens but just one plant provides only a 'taste' of what I'm looking for! This is a plant I definitely want more of and may have to purchase again at this years spring native plant sale.
Be sure to join Gail at Clay and Limestone for more natives on Wildflower Wednesday.
Words and photos ©Thanks for today.™, by Jan Huston Doble @ http://www.thanksfor2day.blogspot.com/
Not to be reproduced or re-blogged without express permission of the author.
Jan what a great groundcover and it likes clay, moist soil. Just what I have plenty of. I looked it up and it is native to NY as well so I might need to find some to add to problem areas where I need some pretty native ground cover.
ReplyDeleteYou have me intrigued, especially since it prefers moist soil and I've got plenty of that. Plus I have large areas I need to fill in. Thank you for posting!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for this info, Jan. I am on the lookout for natives, so this post really helps as I am planning my garden!!
ReplyDeleteA cheery little plant...I've seen it written about elsewhere but we don't have it here. Just the anodyne to a cold winter day..
ReplyDeleteI saw some of these for sale here recently, just didn't have a place in mind, so I walked by. What was I thinking????
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet and cheery plant. It will light up your shady garden floor. Would it spread easier without the mulch? Good luck with it this year Jan!
ReplyDeleteI planted this when we lived in Maryland and it did really well. I think you'll really like it.
ReplyDeleteHeather
Perhaps she will return and reward you will a wonderful show this season.
ReplyDeleteI've had 'Eco Laquered Spider' for over a decade. It sends out many more and much runners than the wild type and it mildews in summer but it's tough as nails ~ it survives drought, flooding, sun, shade, and one plant can spread out a good 10' square over time.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet little plant, Jan, And I love your plant tag :-)
ReplyDeleteIt's not native here, but very close (Ohio). I might have to try it. I wonder if it will follow the old groundcover adage, "They sleep, then creep, then leap."
ReplyDeleteHi Jan, what a lovely plant, I hope it increases well for you. Bright color in the shade is always welcome, a native makes it CASH! :-)
ReplyDeleteFrances
What a pretty plant- I'll be interested to see how it does for you this year. Jan, I’ve awarded you the Stylish Blogger Award – you can visit Garden Sense to learn more, if you’d like. If you’d rather not participate, no problem. But I hope more people will discover your great blog!
ReplyDeleteI just linked your blog to my www.gardeningtipsandpics.com
ReplyDeleteDear Jan, What a cutie! I do hope it spreads more for you. I don't have Chrysogonum but I've read that it is great for a wildflower meadow... now you've got me thinking. (Oh, dear. I promised my husband no more gardens.) P x
ReplyDeleteHi Jan, This is a sweet plant... I hope it makes a nice-sized clump for you. Please post about it later! :-)
ReplyDeleteWhat an adorable little flower Jan. I hope it will sped and give you a golden carpet.
ReplyDeleteTyra
Hi, Jan! I've been off and on with reading blogs the past few weeks, so I'm trying to finally catch up. I'm glad to see you are sponsoring the sustainable living project again; I will try to participate again this year.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a sweet little groundcover; I hope it spreads for you (but not too much!) and covers your garden with these sunny blooms.
Hi Jan dear,
ReplyDeleteThanks for joining the Grimy Hands Girls' Club. Yippee.
Just send us your snail mail and e-mail address.
I am behind mailing out goodies due to some doc visits and tests, but I'll be sending out seeds and some other things. Please let us know how you do with the seeds.
All joys to you,
Sharon Lovejoy Writes from Sunflower House and a Little Green Island
What a pretty plant. I hope it thrives for you this year.
ReplyDeleteWhat a cute little groundcover, hope it thrives well in your garden. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Jan, I have this in my garden for going on three years now. I love it! Though it did go dormant last summer I am hoping it returns eagerly this year. It spreads fast but does well in difficult situations. It is a keeper indeed. I like how you have yours labeled so nicely. I must get around to that one of these days too.
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