Species basket-of-gold
Bright-yellow flowers on green stems.

basket-of-gold

Aurinia saxatilis

Also Known As - basket-of-gold,gold dust alyssum,gold dust alyssum
Basket-of-gold (Aurinia saxatilis) is an amazing plant species that blooms stunning clusters of yellow flowers throughout the summer. Not only is the plant beautiful, it's also incredibly low-maintenance, making it perfect for beginner gardeners. The fuzzy leaves also add a unique texture and visual interest. Basket-of-gold can grow in a variety of soil types, and is drought tolerant, making it an ideal choice for dry and arid landscapes. In addition, its foliage retains its bright, golden color throughout the winter months, providing a nice pop of color to your garden during the colder months. Basket-of-gold certainly is an outstanding plant species!

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 7

Flowers:

Yellow Flowers

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Soil:

Rocky , gravelly , dry, Well-drained

Fruits:

yellow,brown,black Fruits In Summer Ready In

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,yellow

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Moderate

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Thorny:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Basket-of-gold (Aurinia saxatilis) should be watered thoroughly and evenly when the soil begins to feel dry to the touch. During the warmer months, the plant should be watered deeply at least once per week and more often during periods of drought. In the cooler months, the water needs of the plant are less, and it should be watered only when the soil begins to feel dry. If possible, water the plant early in the day to avoid any water being lost to evaporation in the heat of the day.

sunlight

Basket-of-gold (Aurinia saxatilis) is a hardy plant that thrives in both full sun and partial shade. It grows best when exposed to 6-8 hours of direct, intense sunlight each day. If your basket-of-gold is not receiving sufficient sunlight, it is likely to become leggy and weak, reducing its overall attractive form. The best time of day for it to receive sunlight is during the morning and early afternoon hours, as the day progresses the intensity of sunlight can increase, which can lead to scorching of the foliage.

pruning

Basket-of-gold (Aurinia saxatilis) should be pruned in late spring/early summer, when the blooms have faded. The plant should be pruned both to keep its shape and to promote healthy growth. To retain a more natural shape, prune back only the long, straggly stems to where they intersect with a main branch. At the same time, trim away any diseased or dead growth. To promote more blooms, cut back the top third of the plant. This encourages lateral branching and more flowers.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Aurinia saxatilis typically starts flowering in April.

Harvest Fruit

Harvesting of Aurinia saxatilis typically begins in June and continues through August.

Hardiness Map