Illustrative photo.
Aurinia saxatilis (Alyssum saxatile) gold dust, basket-of-gold
size/type
low or groundcovering
usual height
0,2-0,2m
usual width
0,3-0,5m
leaves
deciduous broadleaf
colour of leaves
flowers
showy
colour of flowers
blooming time
May-June
location
full sun
USDA zone (lowest)
4 (down to -34°C)
winter protection
for zone 5+6
for zone 7
categorized
Description of the plant
Gold dust is a low growing, mat forming perennial not just for rockeries or dry walls. It produces masses of panicles with rich yellow flowers on thin but sturdy, 20-25 cm tall stems. Flowers come out from mid spring, usually early May and continue flowering for 3-4 weeks. Leaves are narrowly elliptic and hairy, medium green with a hint of blue-green.
Growing conditions and care
It is not picky about soil type. Grow it in free draining soil or pot with gritty soil. It is a beautiful edging plant for perennial beds – after the flowering has finished it makes a nice groundcover that benefits from light pruning with a small dose of a liquid fertilizer after flowering. Hardy to about -34°C (USDA zone 4).
Last update 28-04-2014
