Helianthemum Red Dragon (Rock Rose)
Helianthemum ‘Red Dragon’ (Rock Rose or Sun Rose) is a charming low-growing evergreen subshrub resembling a flower carpet in late spring to late summer. Abundant, showy, saucer-shaped, bright red flowers, 1 in. across (3 cm), adorned with a boss of central yellow stamens literally smother the plant.
Helianthemum 'Red Dragon' (Rock Rose or Sun Rose) is a charming low-growing evergreen subshrub resembling a flower carpet in late spring to late summer. Abundant, showy, saucer-shaped, bright red 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 green, lance-shaped leaves, is almost as compelling. Because of its ground-hugging habit, 'Red Dragon' makes a terrific ground cover for a sunny location. Once established, this Mediterranean native is very drought tolerant and quite resilient, without being invasive.
- 'Red Dragon' is more upright than most Rock Roses and grows up to 12 in. tall (30 cm) and 24 in. wide (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 to 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,Late) |
Height | 1' (30cm) |
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 | 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 |