GoldDust^® Mecardonia hybrid

Bought this plant in May. It bloomed well up through mid June and then started dying underneath. (Dark black masses) I was told it didn’t like fertilizer so I have been just watering it 3 to 4 times weekly because it is in full FL sun and will bake if not watered frequently. I have since trimmed out the dead underneath.. It no longer looks like that fluffy yellow ball of blooms when I first bought it. I don’t think it can handle FL sun all day as a container plant so I am going to limit the amount of afternoon sun it gets in July and August to see if that helps it regain growth again. I was hoping to make it a perennial plant for patio. It’s not looking too promising at this point

Is this plant an annual or perennial ?

First time buyer in 2016. This is one of the most pleasant surprises. The flowers, while a bit delicate, are a vibrant yellow and it has literally hundreds of flowers blooming as I write this. Given its really low profile it must be used at edge of planter. It spills well and mine is even "climbing" a bit on the Beth's Blue and Tequila Sunrise with which it is grouped. Given the spreading habit of this plant I could see it being an excellent candidate for ground cover provided it does well in native soil. All I have to do with gold dust is water regularly and fertilize weekly. Needs no special treatment and nary an aphid, Jap Beetle or any pest on it. I liked the first one so much I bought another last week. One thing I should mention: the garden center from which I bought these takes impeccable care of their plants. Thus my Proven Winners got off to a great start. Some places like Lowe's or Home Depot kind of take the "winner" out of even Proven Winners.

This plant is definitely an outstanding plant. I have purchased it for the last four years and it has "proven" to be a constant hit for guests, family members and of course, myself. It is resilient, a stunning color and was so eager to pick them up early, but was profoundly disappointed when traveling this spring to just about every nursery on the south shore to find it, with NO results. My favorite nursery said it wasn't available this year and I raced to many to get the same answer. Please bring it back!! A gorgeous annual and lasts all summer long and into early fall!

Plant bloomed fantastically from end of May until then the end of June. No more blossoms. Waited until July 8, and, then, cut back to see what happened but it definitely went to seed.