Helianthemum

Family: Cistaceae
Common Name: Sun Rose, Rock Rose

These evergreen or semi-evergreen, low-grow­ing or prostrate shrubs are native mainly to Europe, particularly the Mediterranean, and are popular for rock gardens, raised beds and as groundcover, especially on banks.

Species

H. appenninum, to 45 cm (18 in), has a spreading habit. It is a short-lived species, with gray leaves and white flowers in summer.

H. nummularium, zone 5, has a neat, prostrate habit, growing to 20 cm (8 in). The pretty, orange, red, pink or yellow, late spring flowers last for only one day. This species has produced many widely grown hybrids. H. oelandicuru subsp. alpestre, to 12 cm (5 in), has mats of gray-green leaves and, in late spring and summer, a succession of yellow flowers.

Cultivation

These plants love full sun and prefer an alkaline soil. They are generally short-lived but can he trimmed back to encourage new growth and more flowers. Propagate from cut­tings taken in summer and planted in a sandy compost.

Climate

Zone 6 for most species and also hybrids.