Golden vygie (Lampranthus aureus) Helia
As cheerful groundcovers go, golden vygie – with its bright orange or yellow blooms – is hard to beat. It is a fast-growing plant that will soon cover a bare piece of ground and will brighten up any waterwise garden. It occurs naturally along the south-western and western coast of the Western Cape. It grows especially well in winter rainfall areas with hot, dry summers.
Thanks to its succulent leaves, it can survive dry periods with very little water. Golden vygie grows well in sandy to loamy soil and needs plenty of sun. The flowers open when the sun shines and it blooms at its best in August and September. Plant guide • Full sun • Indigenous • Waterwise • Light frost • Height 40–50cm