Overview
Helianthemum 'The Bride' 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 'The Bride' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and alkaline and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. It is a holder of the RHS Award of Garden Merit. Suggested uses include rock garden, coastal, cottage and informal garden and gravel garden.
About
Helianthemum 'The Bride' is a low-growing evergreen shrub that reaches a height of up to 25 cm. It features slender, silvery-grey foliage and produces solitary cream-colored blooms accented by a yellow center.
About the genus
Helianthemum consists of evergreen shrubs that can be bushy or spread out. They feature small, paired leaves and produce saucer-shaped flowers that appear in short racemes during the spring and early summer.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Helianthemum
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, South-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Helianthemum 'The Bride' 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
- Rock garden, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Helianthemum 'The Bride'
- Cultivation
- Grow in fertile, neutral to alkaline, moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Suitable for rock garden or the front of a border, or as a groundcover on a sunny bank. This plant was included in the RHS Helianthemum (rock rose) trial 2024-2026
- Pruning
- Pruning group 10 after flowering
- Propagation
- Propagate by softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to honey fungus in gardens where it is present but insufficient data to determine degree of susceptibility
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Helianthemum 'The Bride'?
Grow in fertile, neutral to alkaline, moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Suitable for rock garden or the front of a border, or as a groundcover on a sunny bank. This plant was included in the RHS Helianthemum (rock rose) trial 2024-2026.
Where is the best place to plant Helianthemum 'The Bride'?
Helianthemum 'The Bride' prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Helianthemum 'The Bride' need?
Helianthemum 'The Bride' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It prefers alkaline and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How do I prune Helianthemum 'The Bride'?
Pruning group 10 after flowering.
How big does Helianthemum 'The Bride' grow?
Helianthemum 'The Bride' 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 'The Bride' hardy in the UK?
Helianthemum 'The Bride' has a UK hardiness rating of H4.
How do I propagate Helianthemum 'The Bride'?
Propagate by softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer.