Basket of gold (Aurinia saxatilis 'Gold Dust')

Overview

The dramatic spring display offered by Aurinia saxatilis ‘Gold Dust’ makes it an indispensable choice for early-season drama. This low-growing, spreading perennial explodes with a profusion of bright yellow flowers, earning its common name, Basket of gold. Its dense, mat-forming habit, combined with hairy, gray-green foliage, ensures reliable texture even outside the blooming period.

Gardeners value Basket of gold for its ability to thrive where other plants might falter—specifically in sunny, drier locations where drainage is excellent. While it is celebrated for its spring performance, understanding its sensitivity to excessive moisture and summer heat is key to long-term success. Ensuring optimal light and soil conditions allows this plant to function beautifully as an evergreen ground cover.

This handsome rock garden staple originates from Central Europe to Turkey and remains a low-maintenance option for those who can meet its specific drainage needs. For an effective display of color, pair Aurinia saxatilis ‘Gold Dust’ with late-spring bloomers or plants that appreciate similar xeriscape conditions.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Brassicaceae
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-7
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 0.5-1 ft
  • Spread: 1-2 ft
• Bloom Time: April to May
• Bloom Description: Bright yellow
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Water Needs: Dry
• Maintenance Level: Medium

How to Grow

Planting Aurinia saxatilis ‘Gold Dust’ should occur when the ground is workable, typically in early spring or fall. The critical factor for success is soil composition; grow this perennial in dry, average to sandy, well-drained soils. Absolutely avoid heavy clay soils, as rot readily develops if the plant sits in moisture. While Aurinia saxatilis ‘Gold Dust’ demands full sun for the best flowering, plants in very hot climates may appreciate partial afternoon shade to protect the foliage during peak summer heat.

Maintenance is generally low, revolving primarily around aesthetic cleanup following the main bloom. After flowering concludes, cut back the plants by up to one-half to encourage denser, more attractive new growth and maintain shape. Water sparingly; this plant is established once drought tolerant. Consistent moisture, especially in summer, exacerbates root rot issues.

Gardeners in areas experiencing hot and humid summers should exercise caution. In regions like the St. Louis area, this species can be short-lived. In the deep South, many gardeners adopt the strategy of treating Basket of gold as a short-term annual, planting new plants in the fall for the spring show, then removing them once summer deterioration begins. New nursery stock is typically available in early spring.

Landscape Uses

The primary function of Aurinia saxatilis ‘Gold Dust’ is to provide brilliant color contrast against stone or darker foliage. It is highly recommended for rock gardens where excellent drainage mirrors its native habitat. Its low, spreading nature makes it perfect for spilling over the edges of retaining walls or cascading down hillsides, showcasing that signature Basket of gold sweep of yellow.

Use this perennial along border fronts where its early spring arrival signals the end of winter. It functions well as a durable ground cover, provided the site remains dry and heat is not oppressive. Consider planting it alongside other sun-loving, drought-tolerant plants such as creeping thyme, sedums, or low-growing ornamental grasses that share similar soil preferences.

When grown in beds, ensure it has room to spread to its full 1-2 foot width. Aurinia saxatilis ‘Gold Dust’ should be utilized where its texture and color can be appreciated up close, such as along walkways or near patios, maximizing the visual impact of its flowering phase.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy

Noteworthy Characteristics

Aurinia saxatilis commonly called basket-of-gold is a low-growing, spreading perennial that produces a profuse spring bloom of bright yellow flowers that are particularly attractive in rock gardens, sprawled over rocks or cascaded over rock walls. This is a mat-forming perennial with woody roots that grows to 6-12” tall and features spatulate basal leaves (to 5” long) and smaller linear-oblanceolate stem leaves; the leaves are gray-green. This vibrant ground cover is synonymous with and formerly known as Alyssum saxatile, with its genus name referencing the golden color of the flowers.

Tolerances

• Drought
• Dry Soil
• Shallow-Rocky Soil

Potential Problems

Watch out for aphids, as they can occasionally target the new spring growth of your Basket of gold. The more significant concern for many gardeners is the short lifespan of the plant, particularly when summer conditions become both hot and humid. These conditions often lead to foliage depreciation or plant death shortly after blooming peaks.

Management for aphids is straightforward, often requiring only a strong jet of water or insecticidal soap applied directly. To maximize longevity, adhere strictly to proper site selection: ensure sharp drainage and avoid overhead watering during the summer months. If the plant fails entirely in humid summers, plan to replace your Aurinia saxatilis ‘Gold Dust’ annually for continued enjoyment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Basket of gold suitable for?

Basket of gold (Aurinia saxatilis ‘Gold Dust’) is generally suitable for USDA Zones 4 through 7.

How large does Aurinia saxatilis ‘Gold Dust’ grow?

This perennial typically reaches a height between 0.5 and 1 foot tall, spreading to cover an area 1 to 2 feet wide.

What sun exposure does Basket of gold need?

Aurinia saxatilis ‘Gold Dust’ thrives best with full sun exposure for optimal, dense bright yellow blooms.

When does Basket of gold bloom?

Basket of gold produces its vibrant bright yellow flowers during the spring season, usually from April to May.

Conclusion

The spectacular, dense mat of gold color provided by Aurinia saxatilis ‘Gold Dust’ offers exceptional value for xeriscaping and rock gardens. While its successful cultivation hinges on providing dry, sharp drainage, the reward is a low-growing perennial that brightens the landscape early in the season. Before planting, confirm that your intended location receives full sun and avoids waterlogged soil, maximizing the life and beauty of your Basket of gold.

Companion Planting

This perennial performs best alongside other sun-loving, dry-tolerant species. Consider pairing Aurinia saxatilis ‘Gold Dust’ with low-growing Sedums or Thymus serpyllum (Creeping Thyme) varieties. These companions share similar needs for lean, well-drained soil and full sun, creating a visually appealing tapestry effect as the thyme or sedum fills in around the edges of the slightly larger Basket of gold mound.

Another excellent pairing involves early spring bulbs. Planting late-blooming daffodils or species tulips behind small clusters of Aurinia saxatilis ‘Gold Dust’ can extend the season of interest in a dry border. Ensure that bulb foliage has space to slowly mature and die back without smothering the low-growing yellow flowers of the perennial.

Propagation Tips

When you notice your Aurinia saxatilis ‘Gold Dust’ starting to look woody or worn in the center, propagation via cuttings is an effective method to refresh planting areas. Take softwood cuttings just after the main flush of bloom finishes in late spring or early summer. These cuttings should be placed in a light, gritty medium kept consistently moist but never wet.

Alternatively, seed collection is feasible, though germination can sometimes be erratic. Seeds can be directly sown in the garden in early fall, allowing natural cold stratification to prepare them for spring sprouting. For earlier indoor starting, begin seeds 8-10 weeks before your last expected frost date, providing cool conditions for successful germination.