Aurinia (Basket of gold) : Bring a Golden Touch to Your Garden

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:

CategoryInformation
Botanical NameAurinia saxatilis
Common NameAurinia, Basket-of-Gold
Plant TypePerennial
Hardiness ZoneZones 3-9
Sun ExposureFull sun
Soil TypeWell-draining, sandy or rocky soil
WateringLow to moderate
Growth HabitSpreading, mat-forming
Height/SpreadHeight: 6-12 inches (15-30 cm); Spread: 12-18 inches (30-45 cm)
Special FeaturesEarly spring bloomer, yellow flowers, drought tolerant

What is Aurinia?

Yellow Aurinia flowers with green leaves in garden.

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

  1. Easy to grow: It doesn’t need much care.
  2. Drought-resistant: It can handle dry weather.
  3. Early bloomer: Brings color to the garden early in spring.
  4. 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:

  1. Aurinia saxatilis ‘Compacta’: A smaller version, great for small gardens.
  2. Aurinia saxatilis ‘Citrina’: Has lighter, lemon-yellow flowers.
  3. 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:

  1. Choose a sunny spot with good drainage.
  2. Dig a hole twice as wide as the plant’s container.
  3. Place the plant in the hole at the same depth it was in the pot.
  4. Fill in with soil and water well.
  5. 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:

  1. Root rot: Can happen if the soil is too wet.
  2. Leaf miners: Small insects that make tunnels in leaves.

Growing Aurinia from Seeds

You can grow Aurinia from seeds too:

  1. Plant seeds in small pots in late summer or early fall.
  2. Keep the soil lightly moist.
  3. Seeds will sprout in about 2-3 weeks.
  4. 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.

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