The Story
Plant Bio
Aurinia saxatilis, commonly known as goldentuft or basket-of-gold, is a perennial plant known for its bright yellow flowers that bloom in early spring.
Noted for its ability to thrive in poor, rocky soils and its long-lasting blooms.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
12 inches
Width
18 inches
Light
Full Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7
Water
Low
Humidity
Moderate
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Mediterranean region
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
Bloom period
Early spring – Mid-spring
In flower about 2 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into well-drained soil in early spring for best germination.
- Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity and encourage root growth.
- Plant in full sun to promote abundant flowering and healthy growth.
- Water sparingly once established, allowing soil to dry between watering.
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to support growth.
- Divide clumps every 3-4 years in early spring or fall to rejuvenate.
Pro Tip
Use well-draining soil and avoid overwatering for best results.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Provide full sun for optimal flowering 🌞
- Ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape
Don't
- Don’t overwater; avoid soggy soil ❌
- Don’t fertilize with high nitrogen; it promotes legginess
- Avoid pruning in late fall or winter
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Propagate | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Basket-of-Gold questions
What zones can Basket-of-Gold grow in?
Basket-of-Gold is hardy in USDA Zones 4–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Basket-of-Gold deer resistant?
Yes — Basket-of-Gold is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Basket-of-Gold bloom?
Basket-of-Gold typically blooms in early spring through mid-spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Basket-of-Gold need full sun?
Basket-of-Gold does best in full sun (6+ hours).
Is Basket-of-Gold drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Basket-of-Gold handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Basket-of-Gold with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.