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Helianthemum spp.
rock rose, sun rose
Europe, Mediterranean region, North Africa, western Asia
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Overview
Helianthemum spp. is the rock rose (sun rose), a low spreading evergreen sub-shrub growing 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) tall and 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) wide. Profuse saucer-shaped papery flowers 1 inch (2.5 cm) in white, yellow, orange, pink, rose, or red with yellow stamens from late spring to early summer (May-June) — each flower lasts one day, but a succession of buds over 4-5 weeks. Gray-green to silvery small downy evergreen foliage 0.5-1 inch (12-25 mm). In the rock rose family (Cistaceae spp.). The genus name means 'sun flower' (Greek helios spp. + anthemon spp.). Approximately 110 species. Commonly cultivated: H. nummularium and its cultivars — 'Wisley Primrose' (pale yellow), 'Ben Hope' (carmine-pink), 'Fire Dragon' (orange-red). Not to be confused with Cistus spp. (a larger shrub in the same family). Shear back by one-half to two-thirds after the main bloom — without shearing, the plant becomes leggy and open within 2-3 years. Shearing triggers a second flush in late summer. Tolerates alkaline and chalky soil (pH to 8.0). Lean poor well-drained soil. Short-lived: 5-8 years typical — replace when leggy. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Drought-tolerant. Full sun (6+ hours). Zones 5-9. This entry represents the genus. Growth rate is moderate.
Native Range
Native to Europe, the Mediterranean region, North Africa, and western Asia. Approximately 110 species.Suggested Uses
Commonly planted in rock gardens, on walls, as edging, and in containers of at least 2 gallons (8 L) in zones 5-9. The profuse papery flowers in multiple colors. Lean soil. Shear after bloom. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. This entry represents the genus.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6" - 1'
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Colors
Bloom Information
Late spring to early summer (May-June), lasting 4-5 weeks. Saucer-shaped papery flowers in white, yellow, orange, pink, or red. Each flower lasts one day. Shear after bloom for a second flush in late summer.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White, yellow, orange, pink, rose, or red with yellow stamens; saucer-shaped, papery, 1 inch (2.5 cm); each flower lasts one dayFoliage Description
Gray-green to silvery, small, 0.5-1 inch (12-25 mm), downy beneath; evergreenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Full sun (6+ hours). Lean poor well-drained soil. Tolerates alkaline and chalky soil (pH to 8.0). Shear by one-half to two-thirds after main bloom — the most important maintenance task. Short-lived (5-8 years). Not to be confused with Cistus spp.. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Drought-tolerant. Zones 5-9.Pruning
Shear back by one-half to two-thirds after the main bloom in early summer (June-July). Without shearing, the plant becomes leggy. Shearing triggers a second bloom flush. Replace leggy plants after 5-8 years.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer
Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons