Chrysogonum Plant Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners

In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Chrysogonum plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.

Goldenstar, Green and Gold: Cultivation & Garden Use

Chrysogonum Plants are hardy perennials.

They come into bloom with daisy like flowers of yellow in the late spring. They may also flower in summer and autumn.

As it is a small plant, it is ideal for rockeries. Some common names for Chrysogonum include Goldenstar, Golden knee, and Green and Gold.

Chrysogonum virginianum
Chrysogonum virginianum (Golden Star) picture by Dendrocia Cerulea.

Goldenstar
Goldenstar by Jim Capaldi.

Chrysogonum Growing and Care Guide

Common Names: Green and gold, Golden Knee, Goldenstar, Alien Bush.
Life Cycle: Hardy perennial.
Height: 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm).
Native: Northern America.
Family: Asteraceae.
Growing Region: Zones 5 to 9.
Flowers: Late spring through to autumn.
Flower Details: Yellow. Daisy-like ray and disc florets. Star-shaped.
Foliage: Oval. Hairy. Opposite.
Sow Outside: Usually propagated by division.
Seeds: Surface 1/4 inch (3 mm). Summer/autumn using fresh seed. Spacing 6 to 8 inches (15 to 45 cm).
Sow Inside: Germination time: three weeks. Temperature 70°F (21°C). Transplant outdoors following the beginning of spring or in the autumn.
Requirements: Partial shade, or full sunlight in colder regions. Soil pH 6.0 to 7.0. Good drainage. Moist soil, sandy soil, poor soil. Regular watering: keep soil moist at all times, but do not allow to become waterlogged. Use mulch during dry periods. Propagate Chrysogonum from root runners, or by dividing in cooler areas at the beginning of autumn.

How to grow Goldenstar and other Chrysogonum Plant Species

Ideally it is best to grow this plant from runners. If planning to grow Chrysogonum plants from seed, then you should use fresh seed and sow as soon as seed is available at a depth of 7 mm (1/3rd inch).

Plants should be grown in a partly shaded area of the garden. This location should have good drainage, and a soil of pH 6 to 7.5. The soil should also have a moist nature.

If you plan to first grow Goldenstar seedlings indoors, then they will take about three weeks to germinate at a temperature of 22 degrees centigrade (72°F).

The seedlings should be planted out in the early spring or autumn. Ideally use a spacing of about 15 cm (6 inches).

Caring for Chrysogonum in the garden

Chrysogonum plants pretty much look after themselves, though soil should be kept moist.

They can be divided to obtain more plants, this should be done in September. It is usually easier to take runners if you require more plants.

Common Questions

How many members does the Chrysogonum genus have?

The Chrysogonum genus contains one main species often used in landscaping, Chrysogonum virginianum, commonly known as Green and Gold.

Do members of Chrysogonum make a good garden or landscaping plant?

Yes, Chrysogonum virginianum is a fantastic ground cover, offering beautiful yellow flowers and a compact growth habit.

Which Chrysogonum species are most frequently grown by gardeners?

The most frequently grown species is Chrysogonum virginianum (Green and Gold), appreciated for its cheerful, yellow, star-shaped flowers.

Are members of the Chrysogonum plant genus fragrant?

While Chrysogonum flowers are not typically known for their fragrance, their bright, sunny color more than makes up for it.

What is the perfect location to grow Chrysogonum?

Chrysogonum prefers a location with part shade to full shade and moist, well-drained soil. It's great as a woodland garden ground cover.

Is Chrysogonum invasive in the USA?

Presently, Chrysogonum is not considered invasive in the USA. It's a native plant often used in woodland or shade gardens.

How do I remove Chrysogonum plants from my garden?

To remove Chrysogonum, dig up the plants, ensuring all roots are removed to prevent them from re-establishing.

Summary

The Chrysogonum genus, part of the Asteraceae family, is native to North America. Also known as golden star, these perennial plants are recognized for their dark green leaves and small, star-like yellow flowers that bloom from spring to autumn.

To grow Chrysogonum, plant them in a sunny to partially shaded location with well-drained soil. They can be grown from seeds, divisions, or cuttings. Regular watering is necessary. Due to their creeping habit and long bloom period, they are often used as ground cover or in rock gardens.

I hope that you found this guide on how to grow Chrysogonum plants in your garden. You may also enjoy my gardening guides on how to grow Arnica montana, Xanthisma plant, and Gaillardia plants.