Overview
Helianthemum 'Ben Nevis' is a bushy, spreading branched shrubs in the genus Helianthemum, part of the Cistaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Helianthemum 'Ben Nevis' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and alkaline and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. It is drought resistant. Suggested uses include rock garden, gravel garden, ground cover, banks and slopes, cottage and informal garden and coastal.
About
Helianthemum 'Ben Nevis' is a cultivar of rock rose, a genus of evergreen shrubs in the Cistaceae family. This bushy, spreading branched plant typically grows to between 0.1 and 0.5 metres in height, with a spread of 0.5 to 1 metre, reaching full size within 2 to 5 years. It thrives in full sun on south- or west-facing aspects and is suitable for both exposed and sheltered locations. Preferring well-drained alkaline or neutral soils such as chalk, loam, or sand, it is drought resistant and offers seasonal interest throughout spring, summer, and winter.
About the genus
Helianthemum, known as rock rose, sunrose, rushrose, or frostweed, is a genus of about 114 species of flowering plants in the family Cistaceae. They are widely distributed throughout the Northern Hemisphere, especially in the Mediterranean.
Wikipedia contributors, "Helianthemum", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Helianthemum
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Helianthemum
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Helianthemum 'Ben Nevis' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs, Alpine Rockery
- Habit
- Bushy, Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Rock garden, Gravel garden, Ground cover, Banks and slopes, Cottage and informal garden, Coastal
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Helianthemum 'Ben Nevis'
- Propagation
- Softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Helianthemum 'Ben Nevis'?
Helianthemum 'Ben Nevis' prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Helianthemum 'Ben Nevis' need?
Helianthemum 'Ben Nevis' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It prefers alkaline and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How big does Helianthemum 'Ben Nevis' grow?
Helianthemum 'Ben Nevis' reaches a height of 0.1-0.5 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Helianthemum 'Ben Nevis' hardy in the UK?
Helianthemum 'Ben Nevis' 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 Nevis'?
Softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer.
More in the Helianthemum genus
Browse all Helianthemum →
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