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Aurinia saxatilis
  • RHS AGM
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

gold dust

An evergreen perennial to 20cm, forming a low mound of greyish-green leaves with plentiful, small, bright yellow flowers

Other common names
gold basket
golden tuft
see morerock madwort
eastern madwort
yellow alyssum
Synonyms
Alyssum saxatile
Alyssum orientale
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Yellow Green Grey Silver
Summer Yellow Green Grey Silver
Autumn Green Grey Silver
Winter Green Grey Silver
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Brassicaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Clump forming
Genus

Aurinia can be biennials or woody-based, evergreen perennials with simple grey-green leaves and short racemes or panicles of small, yellow or white, 4-petalled flowers in late spring and early summer

Name status

Correct

Plant range
SE Europe, Turkey, Caucasus

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained, moderately fertile soil in an open situation in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in autumn. Propagate by rooting softwood cuttings in early summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Rock garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Banks and slopes
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Garden edging
  • Ground cover
Pruning

Cut back after flowering to maintain compact shape

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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