How to Grow Basket of Gold
iNaturalist
Basket of Gold
Aurinia saxatilis
flowerBasket of Gold is a low-growing perennial groundcover prized for its vibrant golden-yellow flower clusters that bloom in spring. This hardy, drought-tolerant plant forms dense mats of silvery-green foliage and is excellent for rock gardens, borders, and sunny slopes. It attracts pollinators and requires minimal maintenance once established.
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Example Basket of Gold timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Basket of Gold
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Basket of Gold blooms
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Basket of Gold dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9, with best performance in cooler climates (zones 3-7)
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Seedling
3-4 weeksTiny seedlings emerge with oval cotyledons; very delicate and slow-growing
Keep soil barely moist, not wet. Provide bright light. Do not overwater or crowd seedlings.
Vegetative Growth
4-8 weeksRosettes of silvery-green, woolly foliage develop; plant spreads slowly horizontally
Thin seedlings to proper spacing. Water sparingly. Ensure excellent drainage. Begin hardening off before transplant.
Pre-Flowering
4-6 weeks before bloomFoliage mats thicken and spread; flower buds begin forming at branch tips in late winter/early spring
Reduce watering further. Avoid fertilizer (promotes foliage over blooms). Ensure full sun exposure.
Flowering
4-6 weeksDense clusters of small, four-petaled golden-yellow flowers cover the plant; peak bloom in mid to late spring
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage extended blooming. Do not fertilize. Water only if drought occurs.
Post-Flowering & Dormancy
6-8 monthsFlowers fade; foliage persists through summer and into winter; plant enters dormancy or slow growth phase
Optional: shear lightly after bloom to maintain compact form. Reduce watering. No fertilizer needed.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Remove by hand at dusk, use slug traps, or apply diatomaceous earth around plants
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Improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering, apply sulfur or neem oil if severe
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Ensure excellent drainage; reduce watering; remove affected plants; amend soil with grit
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Spray with water jet, apply insecticidal soap, or introduce beneficial insects
Uses
Edible Flowers (Limited)
CulinaryBasket of Gold flowers are technically edible with a mild, slightly peppery flavor, though they are rarely used in cooking. They can garnish salads or desserts for visual appeal, but they are primarily grown as ornamental. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeThe abundant spring flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other early-season pollinators, making it an excellent choice for supporting beneficial insect populations in spring gardens. [source]
Rock Gardens & Groundcover
HouseholdIts low, spreading habit and drought tolerance make it ideal for rock gardens, alpine troughs, raised beds, and sunny borders where erosion control and visual interest are needed. [source]
Cut Flowers & Arrangements
CraftFresh flower clusters can be cut in spring for small floral arrangements or dried for long-lasting dried arrangements, adding cheerful color to indoor displays. [source]
Traditional Herbal Use
MedicinalHistorically, Aurinia species were used in traditional medicine for minor skin irritations and as a mild diuretic, though modern medicinal use is minimal and not scientifically validated. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Not harvested for food or traditional cutting. Deadhead faded flower clusters to extend blooming season and maintain neat appearance. Seeds can be collected in late spring/early summer for propagation.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Basket of Gold was formerly classified as Alyssum saxatile and is still sometimes sold under that older name.
- 🌱 The plant's silvery-green foliage is covered in fine woolly hairs that help it conserve water and reflect intense sunlight, making it exceptionally drought-tolerant.
- 🌱 In rock garden and alpine plant circles, Basket of Gold is considered a classic 'must-have' spring bloomer that has been cultivated for centuries.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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