Helianthemum (Sunrose)

Helianthemum nummularium, commonly called sunrose, is one of the very few low-growing, sun-loving, evergreen shrubs for the garden. Plants reach about 1 ft. tall but spread 2-3 ft. wide.

Blossoms Galore

In mid-spring to summer, plants are covered with small, single or double, five-petaled blossoms in a wide array of bright or pale colors in shades of pink, peach, red, orange, yellow, or white—all with a tiny, bright yellow center. Narrow leaves are less than 1 in. long.

• This drought-tolerant mini-shrub is sometimes confused with the much larger growing and closely related Cistus shrubs known as rockroses whose flowers are much larger. Both are in the Cistaceae family and bear blooms reminiscent of certain roses.
• Flowers on Helianthemum last only a day, but new buds are prolific and manage to keep the blooms constant for several weeks in late spring thru early summer when they attract butterflies.
• Shearing off faded flowers and stems helps maintain an attractive shape and encourages a repeat bloom.

Selections and Planting

Nursery shopping for a sunrose shrublet often involves selecting one with foliage color that suits your taste or garden design.

• Foliage on some cultivars may be bright green, more gray than green, fuzzy or smooth, or a different texture on upper and lower sides of leaves.
• Flower color may be a more significant factor in selecting a sunrose.
  • ‘Wisley Pink’ is popular for its slightly fuzzy silver-gray leaves and large pure pink flowers.
  • ‘Henfield Brilliant’ leaves are the same silvery gray but flowers are coppery orange.
  • ‘Dazzler’ bears narrower leaves than most and flowers are deep pink to red.
  • Gray foliage on ‘Stoplight’ is infused with green that shows off its copious brick-red blooms.
• Plant in a sunny site in lean soil with excellent drainage. Rock gardens are choice sites, but sunroses are often used as a low hedge along walkways or garden beds. If plants struggle in very lean soil, dig in compost for enrichment.
• Sunroses grow quite well in gravelly sites and are long-lived in clay, only if it is incorporated with gritty amendments such as perlite or small lava rock and formed into a raised mound before planting.
• Elevating plants slightly above the surrounding soil level provides them with improved drainage.
• Water thoroughly after planting to maintain a moist root ball and thereafter for the first year until roots are established, then give little watering in the dry months.

Ongoing Care

• Shearing back tops of stems after blooms fade encourages repeat flowering. After blossoming, shrublets are appreciated for their foliage and leafy, mounding form.
• Keys to their continuous good looks are three-fold:
  • Little to no fertilizer is needed. Avoid high nitrogen products that promote succulent growth and causes limp branchlets that flop over unattractively.
  • The healthiest plants develop thick leafy growth atop closely set woody stems at the base and reach less than 1 ft. tall and wider. Occasional shearing helps keep plants neat.
  • Helianthemums are pest-free and resist deer.

August 2023