Overview

Helianthemum 'Wisley Primrose' is a shrub in the genus Helianthemum, part of the Cistaceae family. Helianthemum 'Wisley Primrose' grows best in full sun, and tolerates well-drained and sandy or gritty soil soils and neutral to alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include rock gardens, borders and ground cover.

About

Helianthemum 'Wisley Primrose' (Wisley Primrose Rock Rose) is a shrub cultivar of the Helianthemum genus, known commonly as rock rose. This plant thrives in full sun and prefers a south-facing, sheltered position with well-drained, sandy or gritty soil that is neutral to alkaline. It is hardy to UK zone H5 and is suitable for rock gardens, borders, and ground cover. Light pruning after flowering helps maintain its shape and encourages bushiness, while propagation is best done through semi-ripe cuttings in summer.

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 4.0Helianthemum

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Helianthemum

Sunlight
full sun
Soil type
well-drained, sandy or gritty soil
Soil pH
neutral to alkaline
Soil moisture
dry to medium
Aspect
south-facing
Exposure
sheltered
UK hardiness
H5

Plant details

Helianthemum 'Wisley Primrose' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
shrub
Suggested uses
rock gardens, borders, ground cover

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Helianthemum 'Wisley Primrose'

Cultivation
Prefers well-drained soil in a sunny, sheltered position; avoid heavy or waterlogged soils.
Pruning
Light pruning after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.
Propagation
semi-ripe cuttings in summer

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Helianthemum 'Wisley Primrose'?

Prefers well-drained soil in a sunny, sheltered position; avoid heavy or waterlogged soils.

Where is the best place to plant Helianthemum 'Wisley Primrose'?

Helianthemum 'Wisley Primrose' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Helianthemum 'Wisley Primrose' need?

Helianthemum 'Wisley Primrose' grows best in well-drained and sandy or gritty soil soil. It prefers neutral to alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays dry to medium.

How do I prune Helianthemum 'Wisley Primrose'?

Light pruning after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.

Is Helianthemum 'Wisley Primrose' hardy in the UK?

Helianthemum 'Wisley Primrose' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.

How do I propagate Helianthemum 'Wisley Primrose'?

Semi-ripe cuttings in summer.

More in the Helianthemum genus

Browse all Helianthemum