About
A compact, mat-forming shrub with small leaves which are dark grey-green, linear or narrowly lance-shaped. It bears numerous single deep-pink flowers with yellow centre on short racemes from late spring to midsummer.
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, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeAlpine Rockery
HabitMatforming
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants, Coastal, Gravel garden, Rock garden
Care notes
CultivationPlant in full sun in well-drained, even gritty, alkaline or neutral soil This plant was included in the RHS Helianthemum (rock rose) trial 2024-2026
PruningPrune annually to encourage a more compact, bushier shape. Prune mainly greener stems, old wood may not regenerate.
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings
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