Overview
Helianthemum nummularium is a matforming alpine rockery in the genus Helianthemum, part of the Cistaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 5-10 years. Helianthemum nummularium 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. It is native to Flanders, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and Portugal Continental.
About
Helianthemum nummularium, commonly known as common rockrose, is a matforming evergreen shrub belonging to the Cistaceae family. It typically grows to a height and spread of 0.1 to 0.5 metres over 5 to 10 years. This alpine rockery plant thrives in full sun and can be grown in a variety of soil types including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, with pH levels ranging from acid to alkaline. It prefers moist but well-drained or well-drained soils and is suitable for both exposed and sheltered aspects facing south, east, or west. Its season of interest spans 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, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Helianthemum nummularium size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Alpine Rockery, Shrubs
- Habit
- Matforming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- Gravel garden, Rock garden, Wildlife gardens, Banks and slopes
- Native to
- Flanders, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Portugal Continental
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Helianthemum nummularium
- Propagation
- Seed sown in autumn, Softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Helianthemum nummularium?
Helianthemum nummularium prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Helianthemum nummularium need?
Helianthemum nummularium 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 moist but well-drained to well-drained.
How big does Helianthemum nummularium grow?
Helianthemum nummularium reaches a height of 0.1-0.5 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 5-10 years to reach full size.
Is Helianthemum nummularium hardy in the UK?
Helianthemum nummularium 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 nummularium?
Seed sown in autumn, Softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer.
More in the Helianthemum genus
Browse all Helianthemum →
Last updated