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How to Grow Basket of Gold Citrina

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Basket of Gold Citrina

Aurinia saxatilis 'Citrina'

flower

Basket of Gold Citrina is a compact, mat-forming perennial known for its vibrant golden-yellow flowers that bloom in dense clusters in spring. This cultivar is a hardy alpine plant that thrives in rocky, well-drained soils and is excellent for borders, rock gardens, and container gardening. It attracts pollinators and provides early-season color when many other plants are still dormant.

Looking for a specific variety?

Citrina Sunny Border Gold Dust Compacta Dudley Nevill Tom Thumb

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

  1. Plant Basket of Gold Citrina

    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 Citrina blooms

    Around Jun 16

    ≈ 60 days after planting

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

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; tolerates light afternoon shade
💧
Water: Low to moderate water needs; drought-tolerant once established. Water sparingly, allowing soil to dry between waterings. Avoid overwatering, which causes root rot. Established plants rarely need supplemental watering except during extended droughts.
📏
Spacing: 12 inches
📅
Days to maturity: Blooms appear within 60-90 days from transplant
🌱
Planting depth: Surface sow seeds or plant transplants at soil level; do not bury the crown

Soil

Type: Well-draining sandy or gritty loam, tolerates poor soils
pH: 6.0-7.5
Amendments:
Coarse sand or perlite for drainage Gravel or small stones Minimal organic matter (avoid rich soils)

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 3-8, with best performance in cooler regions

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

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Growth Stages

1

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Tiny cotyledons emerge, followed by first true leaves forming a small rosette

Keep soil lightly moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light. Thin seedlings to proper spacing after true leaves appear.

2

Vegetative Growth

8-12 weeks

Dense, low-growing mat of silvery-green, lance-shaped leaves expands horizontally

Maintain well-drained soil. Water only when soil is dry. Avoid fertilizer; excess nitrogen promotes foliage at expense of flowers.

3

Flowering

4-6 weeks (spring, typically April-May)

Dense racemes of small, four-petaled golden-yellow flowers emerge above the foliage, completely covering the plant

Deadhead spent flowers to extend blooming period. Provide full sun for maximum flower production. Do not overwater during bloom.

4

Post-Bloom

Variable; extends to fall/winter

Flowers fade, foliage remains green and attractive throughout summer and into dormancy

Cut back one-third after blooming to maintain compact shape and encourage next year's flowers. Remove dead or damaged foliage in fall.

5

Dormancy

Winter months (variable by zone)

Foliage may take on reddish or bronzy tones; plant becomes semi-dormant in cold regions

Minimal watering needed. Protect from excess winter moisture. In warm zones, plant remains semi-evergreen.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Creeping Phlox Candytuft Alpine Aster Sedums Dwarf Columbine Rock Cress Sempervivum Dianthus

Avoid planting near:

Moisture-loving plants (Hostas, Ferns, Astilbe) Heavy feeders that might receive excess fertilizer runoff Tall plants that would shade it from full sun

Common Pests

  • Row covers on young plants; spray neem oil or insecticidal soap if severe

  • and

    Hand-pick, use copper barriers, or apply slug bait around plants

  • Improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering; spray with sulfur if needed

  • Ensure excellent drainage; reduce watering; remove and replace affected plants if necessary

Uses

🎨

Cut and Dried Flowers

Craft

Basket of Gold's dense clusters of small flowers dry beautifully and retain their golden color for months, making them ideal for dried floral arrangements and craft projects. [source]

🦋

Pollinator Magnet

Wildlife

Early spring blooms are a crucial nectar and pollen source for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators emerging from winter dormancy. [source]

🏠

Rock Garden and Alpine Garden Feature

Household

Perfectly suited for rock gardens, alpine troughs, raised beds, and container gardens where its compact mounded form and spring color shine. [source]

🏠

Ornamental Border Plant

Household

Ideal for edging pathways, borders, and stone walls where its low-growing mat of silvery foliage and golden flowers provide year-round interest and early seasonal color. [source]

🍳

Edible Flowers

Culinary

Though not commonly used, the flowers are edible and can garnish salads with a peppery, mustard-like flavor, adding visual interest and mild spice to dishes. [source]

Harvest Tips

This ornamental flower is not harvested for food. Cut stems can be picked for fresh spring bouquets in late morning after dew dries. For dried arrangements, cut stems when flowers are fully open and hang upside-down in a warm, dry location.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Aurinia saxatilis was formerly called Alyssum saxatile and is still sometimes referred to by this name in older gardening references.
  • 🌱 The genus name Aurinia comes from the Latin 'aureus' meaning golden, referring to the brilliant yellow flower color.
  • 🌱 In medieval times, similar Alyssum species were believed to cure rabies and were called 'Mad Wort' or 'Madwort' due to this supposed medicinal property.

Gardening Terms

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

Cultivar Deadhead Full Sun Perennial True Leaves
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