Gold Ball Basket of Gold

Gold Ball Basket of Gold (Aurinia saxatilis ‘Gold Ball’) is a compact evergreen perennial forming a cushion of grey-green leaves and bright golden-yellow flowers. Its spring display is well suited to rock gardens, sunny borders, slopes, and the edges of walls, where the low mound can be seen without crowding taller plants. ## Garden Use and Appearance [The RHS lists ‘Gold Ball’ as a synonym of Aurinia saxatilis ‘Goldkugel’](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/112796/aurinia-saxatilis-goldkugel/details) and describes an evergreen, low bushy mound with grey-green leaves and small golden flowers. [A SiteOne listing for the exact Gold Ball cultivar](https://www.siteone.com/en/76949b-aurinia-saxatilis-gold-ball-perennial-alyssum/p/871372) gives a compact rounded habit and mature dimensions of 6–12 inches tall by 12–18 inches wide. These dimensions fit the existing catalog measurements. ## Growing Conditions Choose full sun and sharply drained soil, especially in regions with wet winters. Loam, sand, chalk, and rocky soils are suitable when excess water can escape. Water during establishment and extended dry spells; [NC State Extension notes that the species tolerates drought and deer](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/aurinia-saxatilis/), and [UMass Extension includes Aurinia saxatile among drought-tolerant perennials once established](https://www.umass.edu/agriculture-food-environment/ht/landscape/fact-sheets/drought-tolerant-perennials). NC State also notes that plants can be short-lived and may develop aphids. It can spread to form a low cover, so leave space for its mature width. Sources differ on upper hardiness zones; the current catalog's zones 3–7 are supported by NC State's species profile. ## Maintenance Water to establish, then only as needed through prolonged dry periods. Cut back after flowering to maintain a compact form, and inspect for aphids.