Growing A Beautiful Basket of Gold: Aurinia Saxatilis
If you’re looking to add a pop of color and charm to your garden, look no further than the enchanting perennial known as the basket of gold, or Aurinia saxatilis. Native to rocky and mountainous regions in Europe and Turkey, this stunning plant boasts bright yellow flowers that are in full display for up to six weeks in late spring and early summer. Its evergreen foliage serves as an attractive ground cover year-round, making it a versatile and eye-catching addition to any landscape.
Planting Your Basket of Gold
If you’re located in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 7, you’re in luck – basket of gold thrives in these regions. Plant this perennial in rock and pollinator gardens, or use it as a low-growing ground cover in well-draining soil with full sun. This plant, part of the mustard and cabbage family, prefers shallow, dry conditions and can even be grown in containers or between stones in a rock garden.
Growing and Propagating Basket of Gold
Whether you’re starting from seed or rooting softwood cuttings, propagating basket of gold is a straightforward process. Consider harvesting seeds in the fall for indoor starting approximately six to eight weeks before the last frost date. You can also root softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer.
When it comes to planting, make sure your basket of gold has well-draining soil and is watered consistently until established. If grown in a container, water every two weeks to mimic its native alpine environment. Fertilizing is optional but can give the blooms a boost, especially at the beginning of the spring season.
Pruning and Maintenance
While basket of gold is low maintenance, some annual pruning can help maintain its rounded and compact appearance. Consider cutting the plant back by half in late fall for a tidy look. If you live in Zone 8 and up, treat this plant as an annual to ensure optimal growth and blooms.
Cultivars and Best Uses
Popular cultivars of basket of gold, such as ‘Compacta’ and ‘Sunny Border Apricot,’ offer unique colors and shapes for your garden. Whether planted in rock gardens, borders, slopes, or pollinator gardens, this perennial attracts beneficial insects like bees and butterflies while adding a burst of color to your outdoor space.
Managing Pests and Diseases
Thankfully, basket of gold is resistant to most pests and diseases. Keep an eye out for aphids, which can be easily managed with insecticidal soap. Root rot can occur in overly moist conditions, so be sure to plant in well-draining soil or containers to prevent this issue.
Quick Reference Growing Guide
- Plant Type: Evergreen flowering perennial
- Native to: Europe
- Hardiness (USDA Zone): 3-7
- Maintenance: Low
- Bloom Time: Spring
- Exposure: Full sun
- Time to Maturity: 2-5 years
- Height: 6-12 inches
- Spread: 12-18 inches
- Water Needs: Low
- Growth Rate: Fast
- Common Pests and Diseases: Aphids; root rot
- Best Uses: Borders, slopes or banks, rock gardens, informal cottage gardens, pollinator gardens
Here We Grow!
In conclusion, growing a basket of gold in your garden is a rewarding experience that adds vibrancy to your landscape. With its bright flowers, low maintenance requirements, and adaptability to various growing conditions, Aurinia saxatilis is a versatile and beautiful addition to any outdoor space. Whether you’re a beginner gardener or an experienced plant enthusiast, this perennial is sure to delight and charm with its sunny disposition and colorful blooms. Happy planting!
