Alphabetical Plant Listing

Aurinia saxatilis (Basket-of-Gold)

Basket-of-Gold, Alyssum saxatilis, Golden Alyssum, Gold Dust, Yellow Alyssum, Madwort, Goldentuft


A fabulous little plant that should not be overlooked! Basket-of-Gold (Aurinia saxatilis syn. Alyssum saxatile) is an enchanting low-growing, evergreen perennial that will charm your garden with its masses of shining, golden-yellow flowers on display for 4 to 6 weeks in spring and contrasting splendidly with its gray-green foliage. Particularly attractive in rock gardens or cascading over the edge of raised beds, this popular mat-forming plant will keep its good looks after flowering and turn into an attractive ground cover.

  • Drought tolerant, Basket-of-Gold is also ideal for beds, border fronts, as ground cover and looks stunning among Aubrietas, Moss Phlox (Phlox subulata) or evergreen Candytuft (Iberis sempervirens). Great for containers too!
  • Won the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
  • Grows in evergreen mounds up to 6-12 inches tall (15-30 cm) and spreads 12-18 inches (30-45 cm).
  • Prefers full sun locations and enjoys dry, average to sandy, well-drained soils. Afternoon shade is appreciated in hot weather areas. Heavy clay soils or moist, poorly well-drained soils are to be avoided! Deer resistant!
  • A significant source of nectar for beneficial insects.
  • Do not overfertilize! Shear after flowering for a neater appearance.
  • Main Aurinia saxatilis cultivars include 'Citrinum', a compact variety with lemon-yellow flowers (12-15 in. tall - 30-45 cm); 'Compactum', a dwarf and denser version (8 in. - 20 cm); 'Variegata' with small, yellow flowers above a mat of large, oval, soft gray-green leaves with creamy margins (9 in. - 22 cm).

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Requirements

Hardiness 3 – 7
Heat Zones 1 – 8
Climate Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Perennials
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid,Late)
Height 6" – 1' (15cm – 30cm)
Spread 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm)
Spacing 12" – 18" (30cm – 45cm)
Water Needs Low
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Deer, Drought, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage

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Pictures are courtesy of Botanik Foto

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.


Requirements

Hardiness 3 – 7
Heat Zones 1 – 8
Climate Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Perennials
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid,Late)
Height 6" – 1' (15cm – 30cm)
Spread 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm)
Spacing 12" – 18" (30cm – 45cm)
Water Needs Low
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Deer, Drought, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage

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