Helianthemum syriacum
Helianthemum syriacum · Cistaceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around helianthemum syriacum and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Family
- Cistaceae
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Flowering
- May to July
- Mature size
- 12 to 24 inches tall, spreading habit
- Hardiness
- Moderate, down to 14°F (-10°C)
- Exposure
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Well-drained, poor to average
Care
Exposure
Syrian Rock Rose demands full sun exposure for abundant, colorful flowering. Place it in a bright location receiving at least 6 hours of direct sun daily. In partial shade, the plant will become leggy and produce few flowers.
Watering
Water moderately after planting until the plant is established (2-3 months), then reduce watering. This shrub tolerates drought well once settled in. Avoid excessive moisture, which promotes root rot.
Soil and drainage
Plant in well-drained, light soil that is poor to average. Adding gravel or sand improves drainage if your soil is heavy. This Mediterranean plant dreads waterlogged roots.
Pruning and maintenance
Light pruning after flowering (July-August) maintains its bushy shape and encourages branching. Cut back spent stems to one-third their length. In late winter, remove dead or weak wood.
Nutrient supply
Syrian Rock Rose requires little fertilizer; poor soil suits it perfectly. A light application of compost in late winter is more than enough. Avoid rich fertilizers that promote foliage at the expense of flowers.
Diseases and pests
This shrub is generally hardy against diseases. Excess water can cause mildew or rot. Check your drainage and aerate the base of the plant. Insect pests are rare under healthy conditions.
Did you know?
Syrian Rock Rose belongs to the Cistaceae family, renowned for its adaptation to Mediterranean regions and poor soils. Its name Helianthemum literally means "flower of the sun," as its small colorful flowers (pink, yellow, or white depending on the variety) open generously in sunlight and close in the evening.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Common rock roseHelianthemum nummularium
- Grey cistusCistus albidus
- Salvia cistusCistus salviifolius
- Montpellier rockroseCistus monspeliensis
- Laurel-leaved cistusCistus laurifolius
- Curly rockroseCistus crispus
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.