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Description
Aurinia Saxatilis, commonly known as Basket-of-Gold, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. It is native to Southeastern Europe, but it is now widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens across the globe.This plant grows up to 12 inches in height, with a spread of 18 to 24 inches. Its leaves are gray-green and have a lanceolate shape. The plant blooms in the late spring to early summer, producing bright yellow flowers that are small in size, but grow in large clusters. The flowers have a sweet fragrance and are attractive to bees and other pollinators.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Brassicales |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Genus | Aurinia |
Appearance
Aurinia Saxatilis has a low-growing, spreading habit with evergreen foliage. The leaves are gray-green and have a lanceolate shape. The plant produces a profusion of bright yellow flowers in large clusters that bloom in the late spring to early summer. The flowers have a sweet fragrance and are small in size, but they make up for it in abundance.
Care Guide
Water: Aurinia Saxatilis prefers well-draining soil that is kept evenly moist. Water the plant deeply once a week, especially during dry spells.Fertilization: Use a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season to encourage healthy growth and blooming.Soil: Aurinia Saxatilis prefers well-draining soil that is slightly alkaline. Amend heavy soil with sand, perlite, or vermiculite to improve drainage.Sunlight: This plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It will tolerate some shade but may not flower as profusely.Hardiness Zones: Aurinia Saxatilis is hardy in zones 3-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Aurinia Saxatilis is generally not prone to pests or diseases, but it may be susceptible to root rot if planted in poorly-draining soil. Aphids and spider mites may also be a problem, but can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Aurinia Saxatilis is native to Southeastern Europe, where it grows on rocky slopes and in meadows. It is commonly cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens, where it is used as a ground cover or rock garden plant.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Aurinia Saxatilis an invasive species?
A: No, Aurinia Saxatilis is not considered an invasive species.Q: How much sunlight does Aurinia Saxatilis need?
A: Aurinia Saxatilis prefers full sun to partial shade.Q: How often should I water Aurinia Saxatilis?
A: Water the plant deeply once a week, especially during dry spells.Q: Is Aurinia Saxatilis toxic to pets?
A: No, Aurinia Saxatilis is not toxic to pets.
Related Plants
- Aurinia Alpina
- Aurinia Saxatilis ‘Compactum’
- Alyssum Montanum
- Alyssum Saxatile ‘Citronella’
References
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/groundcover/basket-of-gold/growing-aurinia-plants.htm
- https://www.hortmag.com/plants/aurinia-saxatilis-basket-of-gold
- https://www.chicagobotanic.org/plantcollections/plantfinder/aurinia_saxatilis–basket_of_gold
