How to Grow Basket of Gold 'Dudley Nevill'

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Basket of Gold 'Dudley Nevill'

Aurinia saxatilis 'Dudley Nevill'

flower

Basket of Gold 'Dudley Nevill' is a compact, low-growing perennial with soft apricot-yellow flowers that bloom in spring. This cultivar is prized for its vibrant color, drought tolerance, and ability to cascade over rock gardens, borders, and containers. It's an excellent choice for early-season color when many gardens are still emerging from winter.

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

  1. Plant Basket of Gold 'Dudley Nevill'

    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 'Dudley Nevill' blooms

    Mid-to-late summer

    Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

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

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; afternoon shade tolerated in hot climates
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Water: Low water needs once established; drought tolerant. Water sparingly, allowing soil to dry between waterings. Avoid overwatering, especially in winter, as this causes root rot.
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Spacing: 12 inches
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Days to maturity: Flowers appear in spring of first year or second year depending on planting method
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Planting depth: Plant crown at soil level; do not bury crown

Soil

Type: Well-draining, sandy or gravelly soil; tolerates poor soil
pH: 6.0-7.5
Amendments:
Coarse sand or gravel Perlite for drainage Avoid heavy organic matter or mulch that retains moisture

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 3-9, with best performance in cooler zones 3-7

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a

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Growth Stages

1

Germination & Seedling

2-3 weeks

Tiny seedlings emerge with cotyledons; first true leaves appear gray-green. Roots develop rapidly.

Keep soil lightly moist but not wet. Provide bright light. Avoid damping off by ensuring good air circulation. Thin seedlings to prevent crowding.

2

Vegetative Growth

4-8 weeks

Plant develops basal rosette of narrow, gray-green leaves in a mounded form. Foliage becomes increasingly silvery and dense.

Water moderately when soil is dry. Do not fertilize heavily; prefers lean soil. Thin crowded growth to improve air circulation and prevent disease.

3

Pre-flowering

1-2 weeks

Plant reaches mature size (6-12 inches tall, 12-18 inches wide). Flower buds form at shoot tips, emerging green then swelling with color.

Reduce watering slightly. Remove any dead or diseased foliage. Ensure full sun exposure for best flower color and abundance.

4

Flowering

3-4 weeks

Apricot-yellow flowers bloom in dense, flattened clusters (corymbs) covering the foliage. Flowers cascade over edges attractively.

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming and compact growth. Water sparingly. Avoid overhead watering to prevent mildew.

5

Post-flowering & Summer Dormancy

5-6 months

Flowers fade; foliage remains silvery and attractive through summer and into fall. Plant enters semi-dormant or slow-growth phase in heat.

Shear plant lightly after blooming to maintain shape and vigor. Water only during drought stress. No fertilizing needed. Prepare for fall and winter.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Avoid planting near:

Shade-loving plants requiring consistent moisture Tall plants that will overshadow it Plants requiring frequent watering Heavy-feeding annuals that compete for nutrients

Common Pests

  • Improve drainage; avoid planting in waterlogged soil. Remove infected plants. Ensure soil pH above 6.5.

  • Improve air circulation. Water at soil level, not foliage. Remove infected leaves. Reduce overhead moisture.

  • Use row covers on young plants. Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap if population is heavy. Usually not a major issue on mature plants.

  • Ensure excellent drainage. Avoid overwatering. Plant on slopes or raised beds. Remove affected plants and improve soil before replanting.

Uses

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Spring Border & Rock Garden Color

Ornamental

Basket of Gold 'Dudley Nevill' provides brilliant apricot-yellow blooms in spring when early color is most valued. Its cascading habit makes it ideal for rock gardens, raised beds, border edges, and spilling over walls. [source]

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Cut Flowers & Arrangements

Craft

The flower clusters can be cut and arranged in small bouquets or mixed arrangements, offering delicate spring charm. Flowers last several days in water. [source]

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Pollinator Support

Wildlife

Early-season flowers provide essential nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators emerging in spring. Apricot tones are especially attractive to insects. [source]

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Erosion Control & Ground Cover

Household

Dense growth and extensive root system make this cultivar useful for stabilizing slopes and poor soils. Its low, spreading habit covers bare ground effectively. [source]

Harvest Tips

This ornamental is grown for flowers and foliage, not harvesting. Pick individual flower clusters for small fresh arrangements if desired, but allowing flowers to remain on the plant provides the longest seasonal color display in the garden.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 'Dudley Nevill' is named after a renowned plantsman and was selected for its superior apricot tone, which is warmer and softer than the standard bright yellow Basket of Gold.
  • 🌱 Despite its delicate appearance, this plant is extremely tough and can survive in poor, gravelly, or sandy soils where many other perennials struggle.
  • 🌱 The common name 'Basket of Gold' refers to the way flowers cascade over container edges, creating a cascading effect like golden coins spilling from a basket.

Gardening Terms

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

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