Helianthemum nummularium
common rockrose
A low, spreading evergreen shrub to 15cm tall, with tiny, oval grey-green leaves, and saucer-shaped, sulphur yellow flowers to 2.5cm across, produced over a long period from late spring to summer
Other common names
flower of the sunSynonyms
Helianthemum nummularium 'Rock Mixed'Helianthemum chamaecistus
see moreHelianthemum vulgare
Cistus helianthemum
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Yellow | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Yellow | Green | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Cistaceae
- Native to the UK
- Yes
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Matforming
- 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
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Europe, SW Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Prefers alkaline to neutral, moist but well-drained soil in full sun, but will tolerate acid soil and dry conditions. Survives well amongst short grass
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in autumn, or take softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildlife gardens
- Wildflower meadow
- Gravel garden
- Rock garden
- Banks and slopes
Pruning
Pruning group 10 after flowering
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus in gardens where it is present but insufficient data to determine degree of susceptibility
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