A native of central and southeastern Europe, basket-of-gold is an evergreen perennial and a member of the cabbage family, Brassicaceae , that also includes broccoli, stock and candytuft. The bright yellow color and fluffy texture of the flower clusters contrasts nicely with the simple gray-blue spatulate leaves. Bees, hoverflies, minute pirate bugs, and ladybeetles visit the flowers during the bloom time from late spring to early summer. The seeds are attractive to birds. The botanical name refers to the color of the flowers (Aurinia, gold) and the plants association with rocks (saxatilis) and it can often be found sprawling over rocks and walls, forming a low dense round mass. It thrives in dry, average soil and full sun and is fairly drought tolerant once established. Unfortunately it languishes in high heat and humidity and tends to be short lived in such climates. It is best treated as an annual in the South. Good in rock gardens, as edging, or as filler in a border.
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Size: 6-12” H x 12-18” W
Light: Full sun; some afternoon shade in South
Soil: Average, dry, well drained
Hardiness: Zones 3-7
Beneficial Insects Attracted: Bees, flower flies, ladybeetles