Overview
Helianthemum 'The Bride' is a matforming, spreading branched perennial in the genus Helianthemum, part of the Cistaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Helianthemum 'The Bride' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include rock garden, coastal, cottage and informal garden, gravel garden, ground cover and banks and slopes.
About
Helianthemum 'The Bride' is a mat-forming, spreading-branched member of the Cistaceae with evergreen foliage and a low, ground-covering habit. It produces a run of flowers from May to September. Best placed in full sun in well-drained soil, it will tolerate chalk, clay, loam or sand across a range of pH levels. The cultivar suits south-, west- or east-facing sites and copes with both exposed and sheltered positions.
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
In the garden
A cultivar within the rock rose group, Helianthemum 'The Bride' is a mat-forming, spreading-branched evergreen that provides low, twiggy cover rather than height. Flowering runs from May to September, giving extended interest on sunny sites. The plant belongs to the genus Helianthemum in the Cistaceae and is used where a dense, low carpet of foliage and flowers is required. Site it in full sun on free-draining soil; it accepts chalk, clay, loam or sand and tolerates acid, neutral or alkaline pH. Well-drained conditions are essential to avoid root wetness. Hardiness is H4 (average), so it is suitable for most UK gardens when given an appropriate sunny aspect — south-, west- or east-facing positions work well — and it will manage in both exposed and sheltered spots. Use Helianthemum 'The Bride' as a ground cover in rock or gravel gardens, on banks and slopes, and in cottage or coastal schemes where low spreading growth is wanted. Its mat-forming habit makes it particularly effective for stabilising shallow soils and filling gaps between larger perennials on a slope.
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 'The Bride' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Habit
- Matforming, Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Rock garden, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Ground cover, Banks and slopes
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Helianthemum 'The Bride'
- Cultivation
- Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; tolerates a range of soil types and pH levels; suitable for rock gardens and coastal areas.
- Pruning
- Light pruning after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.
- 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
How do I grow Helianthemum 'The Bride'?
Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; tolerates a range of soil types and pH levels; suitable for rock gardens and coastal areas.
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 is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How do I prune Helianthemum 'The Bride'?
Light pruning after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.
Is Helianthemum 'The Bride' hardy in the UK?
Helianthemum 'The Bride' 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 'The Bride'?
Softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer.
More in the Helianthemum genus
Browse all Helianthemum →
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