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Alpine RockeryShrubs

Helianthemum nummularium
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

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 sun
Synonyms
Helianthemum nummularium 'Rock Mixed'
Helianthemum chamaecistus
see moreHelianthemum vulgare
Cistus helianthemum

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
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
H5
Botanical 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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