Overview
Helianthemum oelandicum subsp. alpestre is a matforming, bushy, spreading branched shrubs in the genus Helianthemum, part of the Cistaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Helianthemum oelandicum subsp. alpestre 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 oelandicum subsp. alpestre, known as alpine sun rose, is a matforming, bushy, and spreading branched shrub within the Helianthemum genus. These evergreen shrubs have small, paired leaves and produce saucer-shaped flowers in short racemes during spring and early summer. Suited to full sun and well-drained soils including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, this alpine rockery plant thrives in exposed or sheltered positions. Hardy to UK zone H4, it is ideal for gravel gardens, rock gardens, wildlife gardens, and banks or slopes, offering winter interest when planted in a south, west, or east-facing aspect.
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 oelandicum subsp. alpestre 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 oelandicum subsp. alpestre
- 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 oelandicum subsp. alpestre?
Helianthemum oelandicum subsp. alpestre prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Helianthemum oelandicum subsp. alpestre need?
Helianthemum oelandicum subsp. alpestre 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 oelandicum subsp. alpestre hardy in the UK?
Helianthemum oelandicum subsp. alpestre 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 oelandicum subsp. alpestre?
Softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer.
More in the Helianthemum genus
- Helianthemum canariense
- Helianthemum hybrids
- Helianthemum lippii
- Helianthemum nummulariumcommon rockrose
- Helianthemum 'Ben Dearg'
- Helianthemum 'Bishopsthorpe'
- Helianthemum 'Broughty Orange'
- Helianthemum 'Chloe's Variegata' (v)