← Plant Guides

How to Grow Basket of Gold

Wikimedia Commons

Basket of Gold

Aurinia saxatilis

flower

Basket of Gold is a low-growing perennial ground cover known for its vibrant golden-yellow flower clusters that blanket the plant in spring. It forms dense mounds of narrow, gray-green foliage and is extremely drought-tolerant once established. This Mediterranean native is a classic choice for rock gardens, borders, and alpine landscapes.

Looking for a specific variety?

Compacta Dudley Nevill Sunny Border Apricot Flore Pleno Gold Ball Silver Queen

When should you plant Basket of Gold in your zone?

Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.

Get my Basket of Gold timeline →

Example Basket of Gold timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Basket of Gold

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. First Basket of Gold blooms

    Around Jun 1

    ≈ 45 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Basket of Gold dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily minimum
💧
Water: Low water needs once established. Water moderately during establishment and growth; drought-tolerant thereafter. Avoid overwatering, especially in humid climates, to prevent root rot.
📏
Spacing: 12-18 inches
📅
Days to maturity: 45-60 days to first flowers from transplant
🌱
Planting depth: Surface sow seeds or plant transplants at same depth as container; do not bury foliage

Soil

Type: Well-draining sandy or gravelly soil
pH: 6.0-7.5
Amendments:
coarse sand perlite gravel compost for initial establishment

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 3-8; performs best in cooler climates

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b

Sign up free to see if Basket of Gold grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.

Get my Basket of Gold timeline →

Growth Stages

1

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Tiny seedlings with first true leaves appearing; very delicate

Keep soil moist but not soggy. Provide bright light. Do not fertilize yet. Thin seedlings to proper spacing.

2

Vegetative Growth

6-8 weeks

Low mounds of narrow, gray-green foliage developing; plant forms dense cushion

Water occasionally during dry spells. No fertilizer needed; too much promotes foliage at expense of flowers. Ensure excellent drainage.

3

Budding & Flowering

4-6 weeks (spring)

Dense clusters of small, four-petaled golden-yellow flowers emerge from foliage mounds

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage extended blooming. Reduce watering slightly. No fertilizer needed.

4

Post-Bloom

2-4 weeks

Flowers fade; foliage may look slightly leggy or tired after heavy bloom period

Prune back lightly by one-third after flowering to maintain compact shape and encourage fuller growth. Reduce watering further.

5

Dormancy/Summer Rest

Variable; 2-4 months depending on climate

Plant enters semi-dormant period in hot summers; growth slows significantly

Minimal watering (only in severe drought). Good air circulation prevents rot. Prepare for fall regrowth in cooler regions.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

creeping phlox candytuft sedum alpine aster lamb's ear thyme dwarf lavender sempervivum

Avoid planting near:

plants requiring frequent watering shade plants nitrogen-heavy feeders

Common Pests

  • Use row covers on young plants; neem oil spray if infestation occurs; encourage natural predators

  • Ensure excellent drainage; avoid planting in poorly drained soil; remove affected plants; improve air circulation

  • Primary control is prevention through excellent drainage; avoid overwatering; remove and destroy affected plants

  • Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap if severe; encourage beneficial insects

Uses

🌿

Spring color and ground cover

Ornamental

Basket of Gold provides brilliant golden-yellow flowers in spring that naturalize beautifully in rock gardens, alpine troughs, walls, and borders. Its low mounding form makes it ideal for edging and cascading over stone structures. [source]

🦋

Early-season pollinator nectar

Wildlife

Early spring flowers provide valuable nectar and pollen for emerging bees and butterflies after winter dormancy. A single established clump can support numerous pollinators during bloom. [source]

🏠

Cut flowers and arrangements

Household

The flower clusters can be cut for small fresh arrangements or dried for craft purposes, maintaining their golden color when properly dried. [source]

Harvest Tips

Not typically harvested; grown for ornamental flowers. Deadhead spent flower clusters regularly to extend bloom season and maintain plant vigor. Cut back by one-third to one-half after flowering to maintain compact form.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Aurinia saxatilis was formerly classified as Alyssum saxatile and is still sometimes sold under that name in the trade.
  • 🌱 The genus name 'Aurinia' comes from Latin 'aureus' meaning golden, referring to the characteristic flower color.
  • 🌱 Basket of Gold is so drought-tolerant that it often thrives in the poor, dry soil between patio stones and in gravelly rock gardens where little else grows.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Deadhead Full Sun Perennial True Leaves
Shop Basket of Gold plants and related plants at Plant Addicts →

Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.

Get your personalized Basket of Gold planting timeline

Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Basket of Gold seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.

Get my Basket of Gold timeline →