Helianthemum Henfield Brilliant (Rock Rose)
Award-winning Helianthemum 'Henfield Brilliant' (Rock Rose or Sun Rose) is a vigorous, low-growing evergreen shrub resembling a flower carpet from late spring to midsummer. Abundant, showy, single, bright orange flowers, 1 in. across (3 cm), adorned with a boss of central yellow stamens literally smother the plant. Each flower opens for one day only, but new buds keep opening, enabling a long-lasting display for months. While the flowers are the main attraction, the evergreen foliage of dark silvery-green leaves is almost as compelling. Because of its ground-hugging habit, 'Henfield Brilliant' makes a terrific ground cover for a sunny location. Once established, this Mediterranean native is very drought tolerant and quite resilient, without being invasive.
- Winner of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society for its noteworthy qualities.
- Grows up to 6-8 in. tall (15-20 cm) and 18-24 in. wide (45-60 cm).
- Best in full sun in dry, sandy or rocky, alkaline, well-drained soils. This plant prefers cool summers and warm winters and is not reliably hardy in USDA zone 5. Drought tolerant.
- A great choice for banks and slopes, rock gardens, coastal gardens, cottage gardens, as an edging plant, ground cover, or for your border fronts. Lovely on a stone wall for a cascading effect.
- Deer and rabbit resistant.
- Shear plants after flowering to shape and promote new growth.
- Propagate by softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer
- Generally pest and disease free
- Ensure it is pruned annually, to prevent it from becoming leggy. It may not regenerate from old wood.
Requirements
Hardiness | 4 – 9 |
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Heat Zones | 6 – 8 |
Climate Zones | 2, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Plant Family | Helianthemum – Rock Roses |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Late)Summer (Early,Mid) |
Height | 6" – 8" (15cm – 20cm) |
Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spacing | 24″ (60cm) |
Water Needs | Low |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought, Rabbit |
Garden Uses | Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Edging, Ground Covers |
Garden Styles | Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden |