Basket-of-gold

aurinia saxatilis

Also known as: ["Alyssum saxatile","Aurinia saxifraga"]

Family: Brassicaceae Genus: Aurinia Category: Flowers

Overview

A low-growing, mat-forming perennial with bright yellow flowers in spring, native to rocky areas in Europe and Asia.

Benefits & Perks

["long-flowering","drought tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Brassicales
Family: Brassicaceae
Genus: Aurinia
Botanical Name: Aurinia saxatilis

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: rock gardens, alpine troughs, or sunny borders
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Busy People (low Maintenance) Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–15–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"4–9"}
  • Misting: rarely required
  • Drainage: Fast-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, gritty soil with some organic matter; tolerates poor soils.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: low
  • Toughness Level: high
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old stems to rejuvenate.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); tolerates partial shade but blooms best in sun.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually if moving from shade to sun; protect from intense midday sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent mildew.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves (overwatering); stunted growth (poor soil); mildew (poor air circulation).

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Full sun promotes blooms; partial shade acceptable; avoid deep shade.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter

Water deeply but infrequently; avoid overwatering; ensure good drainage.

Soil

well-drained, gritty soil

pH: Slightly alkaline to neutral (pH 6.5–7.5).

Ensure fast drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with grit if needed.

Temperature

Hardy in USDA zones 3–7; tolerates cold winters; prefers cool summers.

Protect from extreme heat; mulch in winter; ensure good drainage year-round.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer

Fertilize once in spring; use a balanced formula; avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or division in spring or early autumn.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take cuttings.
  2. Apply rooting hormone (optional).
  3. Plant in medium.
  4. Maintain humidity.
  5. Transplant when rooted.

Best Time: Spring or early autumn when plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm, humid environment with indirect light; protect from direct sun.

Medium

Well-draining soil mix (e.g., cactus mix with perlite or sand).

Hormone

Optional, but rooting hormone can improve success rates.

Timeline

Roots may form in 4–6 weeks; establish in new pot or ground within a season.

Tools Needed

Pruners, rooting hormone (optional), pots, well-draining medium.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat if possible.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Cut back old or leggy stems to the base; thin out overcrowded growth.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth; remove dead or overcrowded stems.

Tools

Pruning shears, gloves, clean cutting tools.

Checklist

Prune in late winter/early spring; remove dead/damaged stems; shape plant; clean tools.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before active growth begins.

Pot Size

Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; avoid oversized pots.

Method

Gently remove plant; trim roots if necessary; repot in fresh, well-draining soil; ensure good drainage.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; may not need frequent repotting if planted in ground.

Checklist

Repot in spring; use fresh soil; check root health; ensure drainage; water lightly after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; reduce in winter.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; avoid wetting foliage; allow excess water to drain away.

Pro Tip: Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal issues.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water sparingly, allowing soil to dry between waterings; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add sand or perlite for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting in extreme heat; yellowing or browning leaves in cold stress.

Cold Stress

Plants may become dormant but typically survive cold winters; protect from excessive moisture in freezing conditions.

Solution: Mulch lightly in winter to protect roots; ensure good drainage to prevent ice accumulation.

Hot Stress

Leaves may wilt or scorch in intense heat; flowering may be reduced.

Solution: Provide partial shade during peak heat; water deeply but infrequently; improve air circulation.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Fertilize in spring; use balanced fertilizer; avoid over-application.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid over-fertilizing as it can reduce blooms.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Aurinia saxatilis may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or stress from environmental factors such as excessive sunlight or poor soil drainage.

Wilting in Aurinia saxatilis is often a sign of water stress, either due to under or overwatering, or root damage caused by pests or diseases.

Leaf spots on Aurinia saxatilis may be caused by fungal or bacterial infections, often exacerbated by high humidity or poor air circulation.

Rotting, particularly root rot, can occur in Aurinia saxatilis if the soil is poorly drained or if the plant is overwatered, leading to fungal infections and eventual plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Aurinia saxatilis is not known to be toxic to cats. It does not pose a significant health risk if ingested.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
none
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific safety precautions are necessary for cats.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Aurinia saxatilis is not known to be toxic to dogs. It does not pose a significant health risk if ingested.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
none
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific safety precautions are necessary for dogs.
Humans
Non-toxic

Aurinia saxatilis is not known to have toxic effects on humans. It is generally considered safe for consumption in small quantities.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
none
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific safety precautions are necessary for human handling or consumption.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I propagate Aurinia saxatilis?

A: It can be propagated by seed in early spring or by division in early autumn.

Q: Does Basket-of-gold attract pollinators?

A: Yes, it is highly attractive to bees and butterflies due to its abundant yellow flowers.

Q: What are the ideal growing conditions for Aurinia saxatilis?

A: It thrives in full sun and well-drained, rocky or sandy soil, making it suitable for rock gardens and slopes.

Quick Reference
Family: Brassicaceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["beginners","busy people (low maintenance)","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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