Aurinia saxatilis (Basket of Gold) Growing Guide

Aurinia saxatilis, commonly known as Basket of Gold, is a hardy, sun-loving perennial grown for its vivid golden spring flowers and neat, low-growing habit. It’s a classic choice for rock gardens, edging, and cascading over walls, where it delivers strong seasonal colour with very little maintenance.

For home gardeners, it’s a reliable, drought-tolerant plant that thrives in tough spots. For landscapers, it’s a proven performer for slopes, borders, and dry garden designs where drainage is key.

Often confused with Alyssum, Aurinia ‘Saxatilis’ is a related but very different plant, for a start its a perennial, while Alyssum is grown as an annual.

Key Features and Identification

• Low, spreading mound of silvery-green foliage.
• Masses of bright golden-yellow flowers in mid to late spring.
• Semi-evergreen to evergreen in mild climates.
• Naturally compact but can spread outward over time.
• Typically grows 20–40 cm high and 50–70 cm wide.

The contrast between the silver-toned foliage and dense yellow flowers is what makes this plant stand out in the landscape.

Popular Varieties and Forms

Aurinia saxatilis (species form)

• Height: 30–40 cm
• Width: 50–70 cm
• Habit: Mounded, spreading
• Garden value: Reliable groundcover and rock garden plant

‘Basket of Gold Compacta’

• Height: 20–30 cm
• Width: 40–60 cm
• Habit: Compact and dense
• Garden value: Ideal for edging and smaller spaces

‘Gold Dust’

• Height: 20–25 cm
• Width: 40–50 cm
• Habit: Low and tight
• Garden value: Strong colour, neat form for borders

‘Carpet of Snow’ (white form)

• Height: 20–30 cm
• Width: 40–60 cm
• Habit: Spreading
• Garden value: Softer colour option for mixed plantings

With its low growing habit, Aurinia ‘saxatilis’ is ideal as a rock garden plant or to cascade over a low wall. The flower colour gives the plant its common name of called ‘Basket of Gold’.

In the garden, try planting Aurinia saxatilis in companion with true silver foliage plants such as Artemisia. The golden flowers of A saxatalis contract well against the silver of the Artemisia.

How to Grow Care Aurinia ‘Saxatilis – Basic Care

This is an evergreen perennial that grows well in full sun in any humus rich soil. It works well in a rock garden or when allowed to cascade over a retaining wall.

Allow the soil to dry partially between waterings, and in wet or boggy soils, build up the garden bed a little to improve drainage.

It does like good drainage, and requires very little extra care once established. The species will reach around .3m in height and spread over .5m.

Light Requirements

• Full sun is essential for best flowering and compact growth.
• Tolerates very light shade, but flowering will be reduced.

Soil and Drainage

• Needs excellent drainage to perform well.
• Prefers sandy, gravelly, or well-drained loam soils.
• Will struggle in heavy clay unless improved or raised.

Soil pH

• Neutral to slightly alkaline preferred.
• Tolerates mildly acidic soils if drainage is good.

Care Summary

1. Plant in full sun to a little shade.
2. Weed area well
3. Amend soil with compost and some age cow manure if needed.
4. Plant and water in.
5. Mulch around the plant.
6. Water when soil begins to dry.

Planting Aurinia saxatilis

When to Plant

• Autumn and early spring are ideal.
• Avoid peak summer heat and waterlogged winter periods.

How to Plant

1. Choose a full sun position with free-draining soil.
2. Improve drainage with grit, gravel, or raised beds if needed.
3. Mix in compost lightly, but avoid overly rich soil.
4. Plant at the same depth as the pot.
5. Water in well and allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.

Spacing:

• 30–50 cm apart for groundcover effect.
• Use tighter spacing for faster coverage on slopes or walls.

Care and Maintenance

Watering

• Water regularly during establishment.
• Once established, water only when soil dries out.
• Avoid constantly wet conditions.

Feeding

• Apply a light slow-release fertiliser in early spring.
• Avoid excessive feeding—too much nitrogen leads to leggy growth.

Pruning and Trimming

• Cut back by around one-third immediately after flowering.
• This keeps plants compact and encourages fresh growth.
• Older plants benefit from a slightly harder trim to rejuvenate.

Mulching

• Use light organic mulch or gravel.
• Keep mulch away from the crown to prevent rot.

Common Mistakes

• Planting in poorly drained or boggy soil.
• Overwatering, especially in humid climates.
• Skipping post-flowering pruning, leading to woody, open plants.
• Growing in too much shade.

General Maintenance

• Renew mulch each spring.
• Fertilise each spring with a slow release fertiliser.

How to Prune Aurinia saxatilis

To maintain a good compact bushy shape, prune back reasonably hard just after flowering.

We suggest taking around 1/3 of the plant at this stage, sometimes a little more. It is easily pruned with hedging shears.

Landscaping Uses for Basket of Gold

Aurinia saxatilis is widely used for its ability to soften edges and spill naturally over structures.

• Rock gardens and gravel gardens.
• Cascading over retaining walls and edging.
• Groundcover for slopes and embankments.
• Border edging in cottage-style gardens.
• Mass planting for spring colour displays.

It works especially well where you want a low-maintenance plant that adds seasonal impact without ongoing input.

Companion Planting Ideas

Pair Basket of Gold with plants that share its love of sun and sharp drainage:

• Artemisia (silver foliage contrast).
• Lavender and Rosemary for Mediterranean-style plantings.
• Dianthus and Iberis for layered spring colour.
• Sedum and other succulents for dry garden combinations.
• Salvia and Nepeta for extended flowering contrast.

The classic combination is yellow Aurinia against silver foliage, which creates strong visual contrast with minimal effort.

Common Problems

• Root rot: Caused by poor drainage or overwatering.
• Leggy growth: Usually from lack of pruning or too much fertiliser.
• Short lifespan: Plants can become woody after a few years—regular pruning or replacement helps maintain quality.

Aurinia saxatilis – Summary Information

• Height – Will reach 40 cm, some cultivars lower.
• Spread – Will spread to 70 cm.
• Growth Rate – Medium in good soil.
• Position – Full sun.
• Soil – Humus rich to sandy loam.
• Foliage – Silvery green.
• Flowers – Golden yellow.
• Flowering period – spring.
• Drought tolerant – Yes once established.
• Frost tolerant – Light frosts only.
• Coastal conditions p suited to second line coastal conditions.

Aurinia saxatilis Varieties

• Look for ‘Saxatile Gold Dust’ a low growing variety.
• ‘Basket of Gold Compacta’ with its great yellow flowers and silver foliage
• ‘Carpet of Snow’ is a white flowering variety also worth seeking.

---