About

A low growing, spreading evergreen shrub with linear, silvery-green leaves. Crimson red saucer-shaped flowers are produced continuously from late spring to mid summer.

About the genus

Helianthemum are bushy or spreading evergreen shrubs with small paired leaves and saucer-shaped flowers borne in short racemes in spring and early summer

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4

Plant details

Plant typeShrubs, Alpine Rockery
HabitBushy, Spreading branched
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Rock garden

Care notes

CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, neutral to alkaline, well-drained soil in full sun. Will not tolerate waterlogging. May benefit from protection in cold winters. This plant was included in the RHS Helianthemum (rock rose) trial 2024-2026
PruningPruning group 10, after flowering
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus in gardens where it is present but insufficient data to determine degree of susceptibility