Aurinia, also known as Basket-of-Gold, is a cheerful and vibrant spring-blooming perennial that brings a burst of sunshine to gardens. Here is what makes it special and what gardeners should know:

What makes Aurinia special:

• Abundant blooms: Aurinia is known for its masses of bright yellow flowers that cover the plant in spring, creating a dazzling display of color.
• Early bloomer: It is one of the earliest perennials to bloom, providing much-needed color after a long winter.
• Drought tolerance: Aurinia is well-suited to dry conditions and thrives in well-drained soil, making it a low-maintenance choice for sunny gardens.
• Rock garden favorite: Its low-growing, spreading habit makes it ideal for rock gardens, walls, and slopes.

Description and Details:

• Growth habit: Aurinia is a low-growing, mat-forming perennial that spreads slowly.
• Leaves: The leaves are small, gray-green, and slightly hairy, forming a dense carpet.
• Flowers: The flowers are small, bright yellow, and grow in dense clusters, resembling baskets of gold.
• Size: Aurinia typically grows 6-12 inches tall and spreads 12-18 inches wide.

Native Habitat:

• Aurinia is native to mountainous regions of central and southern Europe.

Landscaping Design Tips:

• Rock gardens: Aurinia is a classic choice for rock gardens, where it can cascade over rocks and fill in crevices.
• Walls and slopes: It can be used to create a colorful display on walls, slopes, or retaining walls.
• Edges and borders: Aurinia can be planted along the edges of borders or pathways to add a bright pop of color.
• Ground cover: It can be used as a ground cover in sunny, well-drained areas.

Planting and Care:

• Light: Aurinia prefers full sun but can tolerate some light shade.
• Soil: It thrives in well-drained, sandy or rocky soil. Avoid heavy clay soil.
• Watering: Water regularly until established, then water sparingly, as it is drought-tolerant.
• Fertilizing: Fertilize lightly in spring with a balanced fertilizer.
• Pruning: Shear back lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth.
• Propagation: Can be propagated by seeds, cuttings, or division.

Taxonomy:

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Division: Magnoliophyta
• Class: Magnoliopsida
• Order: Brassicales
• Family: Brassicaceae
• Genus: Aurinia

Morphology:

• Roots: Aurinia has a fibrous root system.
• Stems: The stems are low-growing and spreading.
• Leaves: The leaves are simple, alternate, and often have a gray-green color.
• Flowers: The flowers are small, four-petaled, and grow in dense clusters.
• Fruits: The fruits are siliques (small, dry pods).

Other insights:

• Pest and disease resistance: Aurinia is generally resistant to pests and diseases.
• Deer resistance: Deer tend to avoid eating Aurinia.
• Varieties: There are several Aurinia varieties available, with different shades of yellow flowers.
• Short-lived: Aurinia can be short-lived, especially in hot and humid climates. Consider it a biennial or short-lived perennial and replant every few years.

With its cheerful blooms and easy care, Aurinia is a wonderful addition to gardens, bringing a burst of sunshine to early spring landscapes.