Overview
Helianthemum 'Southmead' is a matforming, bushy, spreading branched shrubs in the genus Helianthemum, part of the Cistaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Helianthemum 'Southmead' 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 'Southmead' is a cultivar of the Helianthemum genus, which comprises evergreen shrubs with small paired leaves and saucer-shaped flowers appearing in spring and early summer. This particular cultivar has a matforming, bushy, and spreading branched habit, making it suitable for gravel and rock gardens, as well as banks and slopes. It thrives in full sun and well-drained fertile soil, tolerating a range of soil types and pH levels. Hardy to UK zone H4, it is well suited to both exposed and sheltered sites, offering seasonal interest through spring and summer.
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 'Southmead' 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 'Southmead'
- 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 'Southmead'?
Helianthemum 'Southmead' prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Helianthemum 'Southmead' need?
Helianthemum 'Southmead' 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 'Southmead' hardy in the UK?
Helianthemum 'Southmead' 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 'Southmead'?
Softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer.
More in the Helianthemum genus
- Helianthemum 'Wisley Pink'Rock Rose
- Helianthemum canariense
- Helianthemum hybrids
- Helianthemum lippii
- Helianthemum nummulariumcommon rockrose
- Helianthemum oelandicum subsp. alpestrealpine sun rose
- Helianthemum 'Ben Dearg'
- Helianthemum 'Bishopsthorpe'