Common rock rose (sun rose) Helianthemum nummularium
Common rock rose (sun rose) (Helianthemum nummularium) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Cistaceae family, native to Chalk and limestone grassland of Europe, from Britain to the Caucasus. It grows 15–30 cm (6–12 in) tall and 40–60 cm (16–24 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -25 °C (-13 °F). Space plants about 40 cm (16 in) apart.
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Common rock rose (sun rose) at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Cistaceae |
| Mature height | 15–30 cm (6–12 in) |
| Mature spread | 40–60 cm (16–24 in) |
| Spacing | 40 cm (16 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6.5–8.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -25 °C (-13 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 5) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 6–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Chalk and limestone grassland of Europe, from Britain to the Caucasus |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇫🇷 France, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇸🇪 Sweden, 🇺🇸 United States |
Is Common rock rose (sun rose) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not poisonous.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Common rock rose (sun rose)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Common rock rose (sun rose)
- How far apart should I plant Common rock rose (sun rose)?
- About 40 cm (16 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 40–60 cm (16–24 in).
- Does Common rock rose (sun rose) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Common rock rose (sun rose) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Common rock rose (sun rose)?
- It tolerates about -25 °C (-13 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 5.
- When does Common rock rose (sun rose) flower?
- From about May for 6–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Common rock rose (sun rose) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not poisonous.
- What grows well with Common rock rose (sun rose)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Common rock rose (sun rose). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- RHS Find a Plant (plant profiles and growing guides), Royal Horticultural Society
- Alpine Garden Society Encyclopaedia of Alpines and plant portraits, Alpine Garden Society, Pershore (UK)
Notes and assumptions
- A rock-garden plant: give it gritty, very free-draining soil, full light and a collar of gravel around the neck; winter wet kills it far more often than cold.
- A low, spreading subshrub with papery, five-petalled flowers that open in the sun and drop by afternoon, a fresh crop each day for weeks in early summer; garden hybrids come in yellow, orange, pink, red and white. Trim after flowering.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Grey-leaved cistus Cistus albidus
- Gum rockrose Cistus ladanifer
- Sage-leaved rock rose Cistus salviifolius
- Montpellier rock rose (narrow-leaved cistus) Cistus monspeliensis
- Bigleaf hydrangea Hydrangea macrophylla
- Rhododendron Rhododendron
- Boxwood Buxus sempervirens
- Oleander Nerium oleander