Helianthemum apenninum
white rock rose
A very rare native, found only on a few cliffs in Somerset and Devon, and resembling garden rock roses. Wiry, woody, spreading stems carry small, dark, evergreen leaves with greyish-white undersides. Relatively large flowers, white with yellow stamens, are produced from late spring to mid-summer
Buy this plant
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
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Cistaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- 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
- SW Europe
How to grow
Cultivation
Grows naturally in dry grassland over limestone rocks on sea cliffs. Prefers alkaline to neutral, moist but well-drained soil in full sun, but will tolerate acid soil and dry conditions and grows well in short turf
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in autumn, or by softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Gravel garden
- Rock garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Banks and slopes
Pruning
Pruning group 10 after flowering
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.