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

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