Flowering Months:
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Family:
Cistaceae (Rock-rose)
Maximum Size:
30 centimetres tall
Habitats:
Cliffs, grassland, rocky places, walls.
The White Rock-rose (Helianthemum apenninum) displays delicate, paper-thin white flowers with five crinkled petals, each marked at the base with a bright yellow spot. These sunny centres contrast vividly with the golden stamens, attracting a range of pollinators. The flowers appear from April to June and are usually borne in small clusters at the tips of the stems. Each bloom is short-lived—often lasting just a day—but the plant produces many flowers over its flowering period, creating a long-lasting display.
Fruit:
After flowering, the plant develops small, oval-shaped seed capsules that are typically covered in fine hairs. Each capsule contains several tiny seeds, which are dispersed when the capsule dries and splits open. The plant’s preference for dry, sunny conditions helps ensure successful seed ripening in the wild.
Leaves:
The narrow, grey-green leaves of Helianthemum apenninum are covered in dense, soft hairs, giving them a silvery sheen and a felted texture. Arranged in opposite pairs along the stem, the leaves are lanceolate in shape and help the plant conserve moisture in the dry, rocky habitats it favours. The foliage is evergreen or semi-evergreen, depending on the climate and site.
Fragrance:
The flowers of Helianthemum apenninum are not notably fragrant, but they contribute visually to warm, sunny habitats with their bright, cheerful blooms. Any scent they may have is faint and unlikely to be detected except at very close range.
Other Names:
Rockrose, Sunrose.
Frequency (UK):
Rarely seen
Summary
Helianthemum apenninum, also known as rockrose or sunrose, is a species of flowering plant in the family Cistaceae. It is native to Europe, specifically the Mediterranean region and the Apennine Mountains, and typically grows in rocky and sunny habitats such as cliffs, rocky outcroppings, and rocky walls. The plant is a small shrub that can grow up to 30cm tall and has small, evergreen leaves and small, yellow or orange flowers that bloom in the spring and summer. The plant prefers well-drained soils and full sun exposure. It's considered a drought-tolerant and it can survive in poor soils. It's often used as an ornamental plant in rock gardens and dry gardens, and it's also used as a ground cover. It is hardy in USDA zones 6-9.
Blog
White Rock-rose, scientifically known as Helianthemum apenninum, is a stunning plant that belongs to the Cistaceae family. It is native to southern Europe, specifically the Mediterranean region, and is a hardy and adaptable plant that thrives in a range of environments. This beautiful perennial has numerous qualities that make it an excellent addition to any garden, and in this blog post, we will explore some of its most notable features.
Appearance
White Rock-rose is a small shrub that grows up to 30cm tall and 60cm wide. It has a woody stem and silver-green leaves that are narrow and elongated. The plant produces an abundance of delicate, five-petaled, white flowers that bloom in late spring and continue through to early summer. The flowers are usually around 2cm in diameter and have a distinctive yellow center that contrasts beautifully with their white petals.
Growing Conditions
White Rock-rose is a versatile plant that is easy to grow in a range of environments. It prefers well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight, making it an ideal choice for rock gardens, dry walls, and other sunny locations. The plant is drought-tolerant and can withstand extended periods of dry weather, making it an excellent option for those looking for a low-maintenance plant.
Cultivation and Care
White Rock-rose is relatively easy to cultivate and care for. It is best propagated by taking cuttings in the late summer and rooting them in a well-draining soil mix. The plant can also be grown from seed, although this can be more challenging. Once established, White Rock-rose requires little care other than occasional watering during periods of prolonged drought.
Uses
White Rock-rose has a range of uses, both practical and aesthetic. Its low-growing habit makes it an excellent choice for ground cover in rock gardens, while its delicate flowers and silver-green foliage make it an attractive addition to mixed borders and containers. In addition, the plant has several medicinal properties and has been used in traditional medicine to treat a range of ailments, including coughs, sore throats, and digestive issues.
Overall, white Rock-rose is a stunning plant that offers a range of benefits to gardeners and plant enthusiasts alike. With its attractive flowers, hardy nature, and low-maintenance requirements, it is an excellent choice for those looking for a versatile and visually appealing plant. Whether you are looking to create a rock garden, add interest to a mixed border, or simply enjoy the beauty of this stunning plant, White Rock-rose is sure to impress.
More Information
In addition to the benefits mentioned above, White Rock-rose has several other advantages that make it an excellent choice for gardeners. One such benefit is its ability to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which can help to improve the biodiversity of your garden. Its delicate white flowers provide a good source of nectar for these pollinators, making it an important addition to any garden that seeks to promote wildlife.
Another advantage of White Rock-rose is its adaptability to different growing conditions. It is able to thrive in a range of soils, including poor, sandy or rocky soils, which makes it a good choice for gardens that may have challenging growing conditions. The plant is also able to tolerate some degree of salt in the soil, making it a good choice for coastal gardens or areas with a high salt content in the soil.
White Rock-rose is also known for its ability to tolerate extreme heat and sunlight, making it a good choice for gardens in hot and dry climates. It is also resistant to pests and diseases, which makes it a low-maintenance plant that requires little to no chemical treatments.
In terms of landscaping, White Rock-rose is a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of ways. It can be planted as a ground cover, in mixed borders, or as a feature plant in a rock garden. It can also be combined with other drought-tolerant plants to create a xeriscape or water-wise garden.
If you are planning to grow White Rock-rose, it is important to note that it requires good drainage to prevent root rot. It is also important to prune the plant regularly to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth. The best time to prune White Rock-rose is after flowering, in late spring or early summer.
In conclusion, White Rock-rose is a stunning and adaptable plant that can provide numerous benefits to gardeners. Its delicate white flowers, hardy nature, and low-maintenance requirements make it an ideal choice for gardens of all sizes and styles. Whether you are looking to add interest to a mixed border or create a rock garden, White Rock-rose is a great choice that is sure to impress.
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