Culture
Winter hardy to USDA Zones 9-11. In St. Louis, it is grown as an annual. Best growth occurs in moist, fertile, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates some light shade. Plants appreciate consistent moisture. Soils should never be allowed to dry out. Trailing stems will root at the nodes. Container plants may be cut back and brought inside in fall before first frost for overwintering indoors.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Mecardonia, commonly called axilflower, is a genus of about 12 species of herbaceous plants native to western South America north through Central America to the southeastern United States.
The genus name Mecardonia honors Antonio de Meca y Cardona (1726-1788), Spanish military officer and benefactor of the botanical gardens at the Barcelona Royal College of Surgery.
'Gold Dust' is a low-growing, freely branched, mounding to trailing annual that can reach 5" tall and 2-5' wide. Solitary, bell-shaped, yellow flowers reaching around 0.5" wide bloom profusely from spring to frost on stems clad with small, serrate, elliptic, green leaves. This plant is protected by patent number PP22871 under the cultivar name 'USMECA8205'.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems. Root rot may occur in overly moist or poorly drained soils.
Uses
Annual groundcover, edging along beds or borders, window boxes, hanging baskets and containers. Rock garden. Cascade over a wall.