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.

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

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