Basket of Gold (Aurinia saxatilis)

Basket of Gold

Aurinia saxatilis

It carpets rocky slopes with golden blooms like scattered sunlight. Low-growing evergreen perennial; common name: Basket of Gold.

Full sun
1/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Full sun (6+ hours daily) for best flowering; tolerates partial shade with reduced bloom density
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Watering Allow soil to dry completely between waterings; drought-tolerant once established
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Temperature Hardy to -15°C; withstands hot summer temperatures with adequate drainage to prevent root rot
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Silvery-gray, narrow, woolly basal rosettes; linear to spatulate shape.
  • Flower: Dense clusters of tiny, bright golden-yellow four-petaled blooms.
  • Stem: Slender, branching stems that hold flower clusters above foliage.
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Care Guide

Watering

Water occasionally during prolonged dry spells; avoid overwatering

Fertilization

Light, balanced feed once in early spring. Use diluted, low-nitrogen fertilizer to prevent excessive foliage growth at the expense of blooms

Eggshell powder topdress:Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle lightly on soil surface to boost calcium levels and improve drainage
Pruning
  • Shear back spent flower stems after blooming to encourage compact, bushy growth
  • Remove dead or damaged foliage in early spring to refresh basal rosettes
  • Trim overgrown mats in late summer to maintain neat, uniform form
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA-verified non-toxic to cats

Humans: No known toxic effects on humans

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Groundcover for rock gardens, edging, and container displays; attracts pollinators like bees