Helianthemum oelandicum subsp. piloselloides

Synonyms

Helianthemum canum subsp. piloselloides
Helianthemum piloselloides

Alpine Rockery Shrubs

A low-growing, spreading evergreen shrub to around 10cm in height with twiggy stems and dark green linear leaves with felted silvery undersides. Pale yellow flowers only open in the sunshine and appear from May to July

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

Up to 10 cm

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
Up to 10 cm

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H4

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Cistaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
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

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, neutral to alkaline, moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Suitable for rock garden or the front of a border, or as a groundcover on a sunny bank. This plant was included in the RHS Helianthemum (rock rose) trial 2024-2026 https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/trials-awards/ongoing-plant-trials/helianthemum

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
  • Banks and slopes
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Ground cover

Pruning

See 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