Aurinia
Madwort, Gold dust, Rock cress, Rock madwort
Also known as Alyssum
- Height × spread
- 0.15m – 0.2m × 0.3m – 0.5m
- Position
- Full sun
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
There are around seven species of these low growing perennial plants that generally come from Europe and surrounding areas. By far the best known is Aurinia saxatalis and its forms. These make carpets of grey, or sometimes variegated foliage. In spring there are masses of yellow, sometimes white flowers. Their pleasant nature and profuse flowers make them a 'must-have' for the spring garden. They enjoy sunshine and well drained soil and are generally grown in raised beds and rock gardens, or used to tumble down walls. These are similar to, and are often confused with, the similar 'Alyssum'.
- Flower colour
- Orange, Yellow
- Foliage colour
- Green, White
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes, some varieties
- Shape
- Prostrate
- Height
- 0.15m – 0.2m
- Spread
- 0.3m – 0.5m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Seaside garden, Scented garden, Rock garden, Mediterranean garden, Gravel garden, Cottage garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Gravelly soil, Loam (normal), Poor soil, Sandy soil
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Drainage
- Well drained soil, Dry soil, Drought resistant
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, most are hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Bee attraction
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water in dry periods
Established plants in the ground can cope with 7-10 days of dryness, and shrubs often manage 2 to 3 weeks. Water one section of the garden thoroughly each day rather than a little everywhere. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather.
Planting & general
Planting
Prune after flowering
When the plant has finished flowering, cut the trailing stems back by half their length or more to retain a compact and appealing habit.