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Aurinia saxatilis 'Summit'
Summit Basket of Gold
Garden selection; species {Aurinia saxatilis} is native to central and southeastern Europe
At a Glance
TypePerennial
HabitMounding
FoliageSemi-evergreen
Height6-10 inches (15-25 cm)
Width12-18 inches (30-45 cm)
Maturity2 years
Key Features
Maintenancelow
Overview
Aurinia saxatilis 'Summit' (formerly Alyssum saxatile) is a compact basket-of-gold cultivar in the Brassicaceae family that grows 6–10 inches (15–25 cm) tall and spreads 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) wide. Dense clusters of small four-petaled bright golden-yellow flowers cover the gray-green foliage mound from March through May, producing one of the earliest concentrated spring colour displays among rock garden perennials. 'Summit' is more compact than the straight species, which can reach 12 inches (30 cm) tall and become leggy. Small, spatulate gray-green leaves with a woolly texture form a semi-evergreen mound year-round in mild climates. Post-bloom shearing by one-third to one-half is required to maintain the tight mound shape; without it, the centre becomes woody, open, and unproductive within 1–2 years. Sharp drainage is required; in wet, heavy, or fertile soils, growth becomes leggy and crown rot develops. The species tolerates alkaline and limestone-derived soils. In hot, humid climates (zones 8+), the plant is often short-lived, declining during summer heat. Cool-summer regions with lean soil support persistence beyond 5 years. The plant is short-lived even in favourable conditions, typically persisting 3–5 years before declining from the crown centre outward.
Native Range
The species Aurinia saxatilis is native to central and southeastern Europe, occurring on rocky slopes, cliff faces, and limestone outcrops from Germany east through the Balkans and Turkey. 'Summit' is a garden selection for compact habit.Suggested Uses
Used cascading over stone walls, in rock gardens, and along raised bed edges where the golden-yellow spring display is concentrated. Suited to plantings between flagstones and in gravel gardens. Container culture works in shallow pots of 1 gallon (3.8 L) or more with gritty media. The golden-yellow pairs with blue and purple spring companions such as Aubrieta and grape hyacinths.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6" - 10"
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Flowering begins in March in mild climates and continues through May. Dense clusters of golden-yellow flowers cover the entire foliage mound for approximately 4 weeks. No reblooming occurs after the spring display. The intense yellow coincides with early tulips and daffodils.Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Gray-green, spatulate, woollyGrowing 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
Site in full sun with at least 6 hours of direct light. Lean, sharply drained soil is essential; tolerates alkaline and rocky ground. Soil amendment with rich organic matter or fertiliser produces leggy growth and shortens lifespan. Water sparingly; drought-tolerant once established. Shear the entire plant back by one-third to one-half immediately after flowering — this step is critical for maintaining the compact form and extending the planting's persistence. In hot-summer climates, afternoon shade and dry soil may extend persistence. Top-dress with gravel around the crown.Pruning
Shear the entire plant back by one-third to one-half immediately after bloom in late spring. Without this annual shearing, the centre becomes woody and the plant declines rapidly. No other pruning is required during the year.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
late spring
Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons