Golden Alyssum, Basket of gold
Aurinia saxatilis

Family: Brassicaceae or Cruciferae

What it is like

Bloom Color: Yellow. Main Bloom Time: Early spring, Mid spring. Form: Spreading or horizontal.

Aurinia saxatilis is an evergreen Perennial growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in leaf all year, in flower from April to June, and the seeds ripen in July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Height (m): 0.3

Where it is found

Stony places and amongst rocks.

E. Europe. A garden escape in Britain.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 3

A good ground cover plant for a sunny position, forming a slowly spreading carpet of growth.

Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife

Ground cover: Ground Cover

How it is grown

Landscape Uses:Border, Ground cover, Massing, Rock garden, Specimen. Succeeds in most soils. Prefers a sunny position and a well-drained soil. Best when grown in a soil that is not too rich. Drought tolerant once established, plants can be grown on dry-stone walls and also old brick walls. A very ornamental plant, there are several named varieties. A good bee and butterfly plant. Special Features: Naturalizing, Attracts butterflies, Fragrant flowers.

Propagating it: Seed - surface sow March in a greenhouse. The seed usually germinates in 1 - 2 weeks at 16c. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. The seed can also be sown outdoors, either in a seedbed or in situ. Division in March or October. Larger divisions can be planted straight into their permanent positions whilst smaller clumps are best potted up and kept in a cold frame until they are growing away well. Cuttings in early summer.

Best place to grow: Ground Cover; East Wall. In. South Wall. In. West Wall. In.

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 4-10

Growth: Medium

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Alyssum saxatile. L.