Alyssum saxatile Crantz
Gold dust, more correctly known today as Aurinia saxatilis (and formerly Alyssum saxatile), is an evergreen, mat-forming perennial in the cabbage family, native to the rocky hills of central and southern Europe rather than to Britain. It forms low mounds of grey-green, spoon-shaped leaves that in spring all but vanish beneath dense sprays of tiny, bright golden-yellow flowers.
About
Gold dust, more correctly known today as Aurinia saxatilis (and formerly Alyssum saxatile), is an evergreen, mat-forming perennial in the cabbage family, native to the rocky hills of central and southern Europe rather than to Britain. It forms low mounds of grey-green, spoon-shaped leaves that in spring all but vanish beneath dense sprays of tiny, bright golden-yellow flowers.
A classic plant for rock gardens, dry stone walls and the front of sunny borders, it relishes free-draining, even poor soil and a position in full sun, where it will happily cascade over edges and gravel. The flowers, carried over several weeks in mid to late spring, are popular with early bees and other pollinators. After flowering the silvery foliage remains tidy as ground cover. Drought-tolerant once established, it is well suited to hot, lean spots where many plants struggle, and is a cultivated ornamental rather than a wildflower.
In our seed mixes
Beta — under active development. This catalogue is still being built and accuracy-checked. The information here (including plant identifications, British native status, soil and sun/shade preferences) is provided in good faith for general guidance only and may contain errors or omissions. It must not be relied upon on its own — please confirm details with us before making planting, specification, foraging or purchasing decisions, and never eat or medicinally use any plant based on this catalogue alone, as some species are toxic. To the extent permitted by law, Phoenix Amenity Supplies accepts no liability for any loss arising from use of this information.