Also known as Sun Rose · 104 gardener saves
Helianthemum: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Helianthemum, the genus most gardeners know as sun rose. We track 4 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 4 most-saved Helianthemum varieties
Of 4 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedHenfield Brilliant Rock Rose
Helianthemum granatense 'Henfield Brilliant'
#2 most savedRaspberry Ripple Rock Rose
Helianthemum granatense 'Raspberry Ripple'
#3 most savedBelgravia Rose Sunrose
Helianthemum nummularium 'Belgravia Rose'
Granada Sunrose
Helianthemum granatense
How to grow Helianthemum
What the Helianthemum varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 4 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Helianthemum year
- PruneJuly and August100% of varieties
Shear back by 1/3 after first bloom to encourage denser growth and potential rebloom.
- MulchMarch and April75% of varieties
Apply a thin layer of gravel or light mulch to keep roots cool.
- Spring CleanupFebruary and March75% of varieties
Remove any dead or damaged foliage from winter.
Do
- Water sparingly to avoid overwatering 🌱
- Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape
- Fertilize with a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer in spring
- Water sparingly once established to avoid overwatering 🌱
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot ❌
- Don’t fertilize with high nitrogen fertilizers
- Refrain from heavy pruning during dormancy
- Don’t overwater; it prefers dry conditions ❌
What goes wrong with Helianthemum
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Apply insecticidal soap organic spray |
| Root rot | Wilting and blackened roots | Improve soil drainage and reduce watering |
Making more Helianthemum
Cuttings
- Select healthy semi-hardwood stems in late summer
- Dip cut ends in rooting hormone
- Insert into well-draining soil and mist regularly
- Transplant rooted cuttings after 6 weeks
Seed sowing
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring
- Keep soil consistently moist for 2 weeks
- Germination occurs within 2-3 weeks
Helianthemum questions
How many types of Helianthemum are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 4 distinct Helianthemum varieties. The most popular — ranked by 104 real gardener saves — are shown first above.
What zones does Helianthemum grow in?
Across its varieties, Helianthemum covers USDA Zones 5–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Helianthemum bloom?
Most Helianthemum varieties bloom in early summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Helianthemum should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.
Keep exploring
Helianthemum shows up in
By hardiness zone
Design with Helianthemum in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
