Helianthemum nummularium (L.) Mill.
Common Rock-rose
Common rock-rose is a low, sprawling, evergreen dwarf shrub native to Britain, forming wiry mats studded with bright yellow, saucer-shaped flowers. The five crinkled, papery petals open in sunshine around a boss of golden stamens, and the small, oval leaves are dark green above and grey-felted beneath.
About
Common rock-rose is a low, sprawling, evergreen dwarf shrub native to Britain, forming wiry mats studded with bright yellow, saucer-shaped flowers. The five crinkled, papery petals open in sunshine around a boss of golden stamens, and the small, oval leaves are dark green above and grey-felted beneath. Despite the name it is unrelated to true roses, belonging instead to the rock-rose family Cistaceae.
It is a classic plant of dry, alkaline ground, thriving on sunny chalk and limestone grassland, cliffs and rocky banks in well-drained, lime-rich soil. Flowering from June into September, its abundant pollen and nectar draw honeybees, solitary bees and short-tongued bumblebees, and it is an important larval foodplant for butterflies including the brown argus, green hairstreak and silver-studded blue. It is an excellent choice for calcareous meadow mixes, green roofs, rock gardens and sunny, free-draining banks.
Also known as
common rockrose
Synonyms
Cistus grandiflorus · Cistus hirtus · Cistus vulgaris · Helianthemum chamaecistus · Helianthemum jacquini · Helianthemum mutabile · Helianthemum nummularium nummularium · Helianthemum nummularium ochroleucum · Helianthemum ovatum fruticans · Helianthemum scopolii
Beta — under active development. This catalogue is still being built and accuracy-checked. The information here (including plant identifications, British native status, soil and sun/shade preferences) is provided in good faith for general guidance only and may contain errors or omissions. It must not be relied upon on its own — please confirm details with us before making planting, specification, foraging or purchasing decisions, and never eat or medicinally use any plant based on this catalogue alone, as some species are toxic. To the extent permitted by law, Phoenix Amenity Supplies accepts no liability for any loss arising from use of this information.