Discover the Aurinia Flower also known as Basket of Gold. Learn how to grow and care for this bright, easy-to-maintain plant that brings early spring color to your garden.
Have you ever seen a plant that looks like a basket full of gold coins? That’s the Aurinia flower! Let’s talk about this pretty plant and how you can grow it in your garden.
Here’s the information chart for Aurinia:
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Aurinia saxatilis |
| Common Name | Aurinia, Basket-of-Gold |
| Plant Type | Perennial |
| Hardiness Zone | Zones 3-9 |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun |
| Soil Type | Well-draining, sandy or rocky soil |
| Watering | Low to moderate |
| Growth Habit | Spreading, mat-forming |
| Height/Spread | Height: 6-12 inches (15-30 cm); Spread: 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) |
| Special Features | Early spring bloomer, yellow flowers, drought tolerant |
What is Aurinia?
Aurinia, also called Basket of Gold or Alyssum saxatile, is a low-growing plant with bright yellow flowers. It blooms in early spring, making it one of the first colors you’ll see in your garden after winter.
Why Gardeners Love Aurinia
- Easy to grow: It doesn’t need much care.
- Drought-resistant: It can handle dry weather.
- Early bloomer: Brings color to the garden early in spring.
- Attracts pollinators: Bees and butterflies love it.
Growing Aurinia: The Basics
- Sun: Aurinia likes full sun. This means at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day.
- Soil: It grows best in well-draining soil. Sandy or rocky soil works well.
- Water: Water regularly when young, but once established, it’s drought-tolerant.
- Feeding: It doesn’t need much. A little compost in spring is enough.
- Winter care: Aurinia is tough and can handle cold winters.
Types of Aurinia to Try
There are different kinds of Aurinia you can grow:
- Aurinia saxatilis ‘Compacta’: A smaller version, great for small gardens.
- Aurinia saxatilis ‘Citrina’: Has lighter, lemon-yellow flowers.
- Aurinia saxatilis ‘Dudley Neville’: Rare variety with cream-colored flowers.
How to Plant Aurinia
You can plant Aurinia in spring or fall. Here’s how:
- Choose a sunny spot with good drainage.
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the plant’s container.
- Place the plant in the hole at the same depth it was in the pot.
- Fill in with soil and water well.
- Space plants about 12-15 inches apart.
Using Aurinia in Your Garden
Aurinia is great for:
- Rock gardens: It grows well between rocks.
- Border edges: Use it at the front of flower beds.
- Ground cover: It spreads to cover bare spots.
- Containers: It looks nice spilling over the edges of pots.
Taking Care of Aurinia
Pruning: After it flowers, cut it back by about half to keep it neat.
Dividing: Every 3-4 years, you can split big plants to make new ones.
Pests and Problems: Aurinia doesn’t have many problems, but watch out for:
- Root rot: Can happen if the soil is too wet.
- Leaf miners: Small insects that make tunnels in leaves.
Growing Aurinia from Seeds
You can grow Aurinia from seeds too:
- Plant seeds in small pots in late summer or early fall.
- Keep the soil lightly moist.
- Seeds will sprout in about 2-3 weeks.
- Move young plants to the garden in spring.
Fun Facts About Aurinia
- The name Aurinia comes from the Latin word for gold.
- In some places, people used to think it could cure madness.
- Dried Aurinia flowers keep their color, making them great for crafts.
Wrapping Up
Aurinia is a great plant for any garden. It’s easy to grow, looks beautiful and comes back year after year. Whether you have a big garden or just a small space, Aurinia can add a bright splash of yellow. Try planting some this year and enjoy the golden flowers in early spring!
For more gardening tips and plant care guides, visit usagardenhub.com.
