Common Name: Golden Alyssum

General Information

Aurinia saxatilis is a low-growing, spreading, perennial plant forming a mat of growth 15 - 30cm tall from woody roots[].
The plant is often grown as an ornamental, valued for its profuse flowering display in spring. It can be used as a ground cover in a sunny position[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Europe - Poland and Germany, east to Ukraine and Greece; W. Asia - Turkey, Georgia

Habitat

Stony places and amongst rocks[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Perennial
Height	0.25 m
Pollinators	Bees, Lepidoptera
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Prefers a sandy, well-drained soil in a sunny position[, ]. Succeeds in most soils, though it dislikes heavy clays[, ]. Best when grown in a soil that is not too rich[]. Drought tolerant once established[], plants can be grown on dry-stone walls and also old brick walls[, ].
A very ornamental plant[], there are several named varieties[].
Plants are best cut back by around 50% after flowering in order to maintain their compact form[].
A good bee and butterfly plant[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

A good ground cover plant for a sunny position[, ], forming a slowly spreading carpet of growth[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - surface sow early spring in a greenhouse. The seed usually germinates in 1 - 2 weeks at 16c[]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer.
The seed can also be sown outdoors, either in a seedbed or in situ.
Division in early spring or early autumn[]. Larger divisions can be planted straight into their permanent positions whilst smaller clumps are best potted up and kept in a cold frame until they are growing away well.
Cuttings in early summer[, ].