Bloomin Designs NurseryAnswer
Oct 22, 2025 - 08:45 AM
Both plants are low-growing, yellow-flowering ground covers. The main differences come down to their light and moisture preferences, foliage type, and growth rate.
Here is a breakdown of how Chrysogonum virginianum 'Pierre' (Pierre's Green-and-Gold) compares to Potentilla neumanniana (often sold as Spring Cinquefoil or P. verna) as ground cover:
|
Feature |
Chrysogonum v. 'Pierre' (Green-and-Gold) |
Potentilla neumanniana (Spring Cinquefoil) |
|
Primary Light Need |
Partial Sun to Shade (Avoids hot afternoon sun) |
Full Sun (Tolerates part shade, but may bloom less) |
|
Moisture Need |
Average to Moist, well-drained soil |
Dry to Average, well-drained soil |
|
Foliage Type |
Semi-evergreen to Evergreen (Dark green, fuzzy, ovate leaves) |
Evergreen (Bright green, compound, strawberry-like leaves) |
|
Foliage Height |
Approx. 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) |
Approx. 3–6 inches (8–15 cm) |
|
Flower Color |
Golden-yellow, star-shaped |
Butter-yellow, buttercup-like |
|
Bloom Time |
Long Bloom Period: Heavy spring flush, then sporadic through summer/fall (especially in cooler climates) |
Primary Bloom: Mid to late spring |
|
Growth/Spread |
Moderate spreader by stolons (above-ground runners). Native to Eastern US. |
Fast to moderate spreader, forms dense mat. Non-native (Central Europe). |
|
Weed Suppression |
Highly effective once established. |
Highly effective once established, forms a dense carpet. |
|
Maintenance |
Low. May need supplemental water in hot, dry weather. |
Low. Highly drought-tolerant once established. |
Key Differences for the Homeowner
- Sun vs. Shade:
- Choose 'Pierre's Green-and-Gold' for shadier areas (under trees, on the north side of a house, or in dappled light). It is a superior ground cover for shade and will not thrive in hot, full sun, especially in warmer climates.
- Choose Potentilla neumanniana for sunny areas (in a rock garden, on a slope, or as a lawn substitute). While it tolerates some shade, its best coverage and bloom are in full sun.
- Moisture Tolerance:
- 'Pierre's Green-and-Gold' needs consistent moisture to look its best, particularly when in more sun or during drought. It will sulk or the leaves will curl up if the soil gets too dry.
- Potentilla neumanniana is highly drought-tolerant and thrives in drier conditions once established, making it excellent for slopes or poor, sandy soils.
- Bloom Duration:
- 'Pierre's Green-and-Gold' offers a significantly longer bloom season, often providing yellow color from spring until frost, which is a major aesthetic benefit.
- Potentilla neumanniana has a shorter, intense spring bloom.
- Foot Traffic:
- Both are generally considered tolerant of limited or occasional foot traffic, but Potentilla neumanniana is sometimes specifically recommended as a lawn substitute or for planting between stepping stones due to its dense, mat-forming habit and tolerance for drier conditions.
In summary: If the area is mostly shade and you can provide average moisture, 'Pierre's Green-and-Gold' is the better choice, offering a native, long-blooming groundcover. If the area is full sun, dry, or needs excellent drought tolerance, Potentilla neumanniana is the superior option.
