Species rock rose
Yellow flowers with yellow anthers, green leaves, yellow-green buds and lime-green stems

rock rose

Helianthemum nummularium subsp. grandiflorum

Rock Rose (Helianthemum nummularium subsp. grandiflorum) is a low-growing, evergreen shrub found in dry, sunny places and rocky cliffs throughout Europe. The species can reach up to one meter in height with yellow, cup-shaped flowers with five oval petals, typical of the Cistaceae family. It is quite hardy and easy to maintain, as it can tolerate light shade and drought and is quite resistant to pests and diseases. The plant requires well drained soils and benefits from a light feeding with a balanced fertiliser. Rock Rose is an ideal species for rock gardens and can be used as a border plant or to add colour and texture to a garden or balcony. It blooms in the summer months and its flowers attract bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Cutting,Layering Propagation,Division

Hardiness Zone:

6 - 8

Flowers:

Yellow Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Moderate

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

watering

Rock rose is a drought-tolerant plant that doesn't require a lot of water, as it is adapted to survive in dry and nutrient-poor soils. It should only be watered when the soil feels dry to the touch, and even then only lightly. Depending on the outside temperature and humidity, this could mean only watering once or twice a week. In the summer months, water more regularly, but still sparingly, again only when the soil is dry. In the winter water less, as the plant is semi-dormant and won't need as much. Be sure to check the soil around the base of the plant and not just the surface, as it will take longer for the deeper soil to dry out.

sunlight

Rock rose (Helianthemum nummularium subsp. grandiflorum) should receive full sun for at least 6 hours each day, preferably from early morning until mid-afternoon. These plants will thrive in full sun all day, as long as conditions are not too hot. If temperatures get above 90°F (32°C), some shade can be beneficial.

pruning

Rock rose should be pruned lightly at the end of the flowering period in late summer or fall, once the plant has finished blooming. Pruning should remove any dead or diseased stems and overall thin and shape the plant. Doing so will promote air circulation and keep the flowering more abundant in future years. Prune no more than 1 third of the plant at 1 time in order to not over stress the plant. Rock rose is a low-growing plant and should remain no more than 12-14 inches in height, so maintain this by removing any stems that have gotten too tall or wide as well.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Rock rose typically starts flowering in April or May.

Hardiness Map