About

A low-growing evergreen shrub forming spreading mats to 12cm high, with narrow elliptic leaves. Flowers single, deep yellow with an orange centre, borne in racemes from late spring.

About the genus

Helianthemum are bushy or spreading evergreen shrubs with small paired leaves and saucer-shaped flowers borne in short racemes in spring and early summer

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5

Plant details

Plant typeShrubs, Alpine Rockery
HabitMatforming
FoliageEvergreen
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesGravel garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Cottage and informal garden

Care notes

CultivationGrow in fertile, neutral to alkaline, moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Suitable for rock garden or the front of a border, or as a groundcover on a sunny bank This plant was included in the RHS Helianthemum (rock rose) trial 2024-2026
PruningPruning group 10, after flowering
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus in gardens where it is present but insufficient data to determine degree of susceptibility