Overview
Helianthemum 'Fire Dragon' is a matforming, spreading branched shrub in the genus Helianthemum, part of the Cistaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Helianthemum 'Fire Dragon' grows best in full sun, and tolerates well-drained and sandy or gritty soil soils and neutral to alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include rock gardens, borders and ground cover.
About
Helianthemum 'Fire Dragon' (Fire Dragon Rock Rose) is a shrub cultivar of the Helianthemum genus, known for its adaptability in rock gardens, borders, and as ground cover. This plant thrives in full sun and prefers a south-facing aspect with well-drained, sandy or gritty soil that is neutral to alkaline in pH. It is drought tolerant once established and can grow in conditions ranging from sheltered to exposed. Light pruning after flowering helps maintain its shape and encourages bushiness, while propagation is best done through semi-ripe cuttings in summer.
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
- well-drained, sandy or gritty soil
- Soil pH
- neutral to alkaline
- Soil moisture
- dry to medium
- Aspect
- south-facing
- Exposure
- sheltered to exposed
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Helianthemum 'Fire Dragon' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- shrub
- Habit
- Matforming, Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- rock gardens, borders, ground cover
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Helianthemum 'Fire Dragon'
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; drought tolerant once established.
- Pruning
- Light pruning after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.
- Propagation
- semi-ripe cuttings in summer
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Helianthemum 'Fire Dragon'?
Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; drought tolerant once established.
Where is the best place to plant Helianthemum 'Fire Dragon'?
Helianthemum 'Fire Dragon' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered to exposed positions.
What soil does Helianthemum 'Fire Dragon' need?
Helianthemum 'Fire Dragon' grows best in well-drained and sandy or gritty soil soil. It prefers neutral to alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays dry to medium.
How do I prune Helianthemum 'Fire Dragon'?
Light pruning after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.
Is Helianthemum 'Fire Dragon' hardy in the UK?
Helianthemum 'Fire Dragon' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Helianthemum 'Fire Dragon'?
Semi-ripe cuttings in summer.
