Aurinia, Basket-of-Gold, Gold Alyssum, Gold Dust 'Compactum'

I found an "out-of-bloom" neglected specimen of Aurinia at a big box store in midsummer. I had one years ago and kept it too shaded, cau...Read Moresing its death. I have wanted to replace it for a long time and was happy to come across this inauspicious pot. My new Basket of Gold is located in blistering afternoon sun, about 8 feet off the macadam street. I did not create any special soil conditions for it. Soil has a lot of clay. Large rocks are nearby. Bloom in zone 6 southeast PA occurs in April. Many insects are drawn to the bright yellow flowers. I saved the seeds, winter-sowed them in a milk jug and grew 8 healthy seedlings that are poised to bloom in their second year. I like Aurinia for the vivid yellow of the blossoms and the evergreen nature of the silvery foliage.

I have enjoyed this plant even in the winter. It holds its silver coloring.
Although it does better in full sun I have mine on the...Read More North side of the house in partial shade. It performs well.

Basket of Gold makes a nice companion plant for tulips and other late spring bloomers. The tiny, bright yellow flowers are an important ...Read Moresource of food for beneficial insects at a time when other flowers are scarce.