Helianthemum / Rock Roses

Covered with abundant, showy, rose-like flowers, 1 in. across (3 cm), in shades of orange, pink, yellow, and white in late spring to mid-summer, Helianthemum (Rock Roses) are terrific low-growing shrubs. 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 silvery-green or bright green leaves is almost as compelling. Because of their ground-hugging habit, Helianthemums make fabulous groundcovers for dry and sunny locations. Once established, these Mediterranean natives are very drought tolerant and quite resilient, without being invasive.