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Key characteristics

Family: Brassicaceae
Height: 6 to 12 inches
Width: 12 to 18 inches
Flower color: Bright yellow
Foliage color: Gray-green, semi-evergreen leaves
Bloom time: Early to mid-spring
Light: Full sun
Water: Drought tolerant once established, but benefits from occasional watering during dry spells
Maintenance: Low maintenance; prune back after flowering to promote new growth and prevent self-seeding
Growing zone: Hardy in USDA zones 3 to 9
Wildlife: Attracts bees and butterflies with its sweet fragrance

Groundcovers

Aurinia saxatilis

Basket-of-Gold

Aurinia saxatilis is a low-growing perennial plant prized for its bright and abundant spring blooms. Native to southeastern Europe and southwestern Asia, it forms a dense mat of gray-green, spoon-shaped leaves that are semi-evergreen in milder climates. In early to mid-spring, it produces a profusion of small, bright yellow flowers in clusters atop stems that rise slightly above the foliage. These half-inch flowers have a sweet, honey-like fragrance that attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Light

Full sun

Water

Drought tolerant once established, but benefits from occasional watering during dry spells

Bloom time

Early to mid-spring

Find this plant

Works well in

Pollinator Gardens
Deer-Prone Areas
Borders
Rock Gardens

Companion plants

Creeping phlox · Candytuft · Dianthus · Sedums · Lavender · Blue fescue

Design tip

Place this cheerful spring bloomer where it can welcome visitors near entrances or along frequently traveled walkways. The brilliant yellow flowers create an inviting first impression and draw attention to important areas of the garden before summer perennials begin flowering.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)