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Aurinia spp.
Central and southeastern Europe to the Caucasus
Overview
Aurinia is a genus of about ten low evergreen and semi-evergreen perennials in the cabbage family, native to central and southeastern Europe, Turkey, and the Caucasus. The most grown species, A. saxatilis, basket-of-gold, forms a mound 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) tall and 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) wide of grey-green, hairy, lance- to spoon-shaped leaves in loose rosettes. In mid to late spring, dense branched clusters of tiny four-petaled yellow flowers cover the foliage; cultivars range from lemon to apricot. Flowering lasts 3-5 weeks. After bloom the plant grows open and woody at the base. Stems are somewhat brittle and the cushion splits with age or in rich soil. Plants are short-lived in heavy or wet ground, often persisting 3-4 years, and grow leggy without shearing.
Native Range
Native to central and southeastern Europe, the Balkans, Turkey, and the Caucasus. Grows on dry rocky slopes, cliffs, screes, and stony grassland, often on limestone, in full sun and very sharp drainage.Suggested Uses
Grown in rock gardens, wall tops, gravel gardens, and dry sunny banks, spaced 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) apart, where the stems can spill over stone. Used along the front of sunny borders and in troughs. Container culture suits gritty, free-draining mixes.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6" - 1'
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Bloom Information
Yellow flowers open in mid to late spring, about April through May, lasting 3-5 weeks. A light rebloom sometimes follows in autumn after shearing. Cool spring weather extends the bloom, while heat ends it and starts the open, woody phase.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
yellow, some lemon to apricotFoliage Description
grey-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plants grow in full sun and poor, gritty, sharply drained, neutral to alkaline soil, tolerating drought once established. Rich, wet, or heavy soil causes floppy growth and root rot and shortens the plant life. Watering is sparing after establishment. Plants are sheared back by about one-third after flowering to keep the mound dense and delay the open, woody stage. Aphids and flea beetles occasionally feed on the leaves. Cushions are renewed from seed or cuttings every few years.Pruning
Plants are sheared back by one-third to one-half right after the spring bloom to keep them compact and prompt a possible second flush. Brittle, woody stems are cut back into firmer growth, which regrows slowly. Cuttings or seed renew plants as they age.Pruning Schedule
late spring
Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons