Plant Profile: Aurinia saxatilis

Basket-of-gold develops into a lush, rounded mass that beautifully spills over rock walls. It thrives best in well-drained, sandy soil under full sunlight. However, in hot and humid summer conditions, it benefits from some afternoon shade, which can make cultivation a bit tricky. Clay soils can hinder growth, and poorly drained or consistently wet conditions may lead to root rot. To maintain its shape and health, you can prune the plant back to half its size after it has finished flowering. It can be propagated by seeds in early spring or by division in the fall.

This plant is particularly appealing as an annual, gracefully cascading over rock walls or enhancing naturalized areas in the landscape.

In terms of pests and diseases, aphids can be a concern, and it's worth noting that these plants may have a relatively short lifespan.