Basket of Gold

Basket of Gold (Aurinia saxatilis) is a long-lived, low maintenance ground cover for small spaces such as along walls or paths, or in rock gardens. Gray, slightly fuzzy leaves are present year round, forming clumps 6 to 18 inches tall and 6 to 12 inches wide. In early Spring the plants are totally covered with masses of tiny cross-shaped flowers. Eye-catching colors range from soft yellow ‘Citrina’ or ‘Dudley Neville’ to the intense golden yellow of ‘Gold Dust’.

Easy to grow from seed, Basket of Gold prefers sandy, infertile soil, but will tolerate any location that is well-drained. Water needs are low to moderate; full sun is required. The plants are hardy to 9,000 feet. To keep the clumps from becoming rangy, they should be cut back immediately after blooming.

Suggested companion plants include Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata), Candytuft (Iberis), and the low-growing Veronicas, whose blue flowers provide the perfect contrast.