Overview
Helianthemum 'Ben Dearg' is a matforming, bushy, spreading branched shrubs in the genus Helianthemum, part of the Cistaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Helianthemum 'Ben Dearg' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include gravel garden, rock garden, wildlife gardens and banks and slopes.
About
Helianthemum 'Ben Dearg' is a cultivar of the Helianthemum genus, which comprises evergreen shrubs that can be bushy or spreading with small, paired leaves. This matforming shrub thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, across a range of pH levels. It is hardy to UK zone H4 and is suitable for exposed or sheltered sites. Flowering in spring and early summer, it is well suited to gravel and rock gardens, wildlife gardens, and banks or slopes, preferring fertile soil in sun or light shade.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Helianthemum
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Helianthemum 'Ben Dearg' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs, Alpine Rockery
- Habit
- Matforming, Bushy, Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Gravel garden, Rock garden, Wildlife gardens, Banks and slopes
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Helianthemum 'Ben Dearg'
- Propagation
- Softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Helianthemum 'Ben Dearg'?
Helianthemum 'Ben Dearg' prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Helianthemum 'Ben Dearg' need?
Helianthemum 'Ben Dearg' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Helianthemum 'Ben Dearg' hardy in the UK?
Helianthemum 'Ben Dearg' has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Helianthemum 'Ben Dearg'?
Softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer.
More in the Helianthemum genus
- Helianthemum 'Wisley Pink'Rock Rose
- Helianthemum canariense
- Helianthemum hybrids
- Helianthemum lippii
- Helianthemum nummulariumcommon rockrose
- Helianthemum oelandicum subsp. alpestrealpine sun rose
- Helianthemum 'Bishopsthorpe'
- Helianthemum 'Broughty Orange'