Also known as Sun Rose · 119 saves
Helianthemum
Helianthemum, the genus most gardeners know as sun rose. We track 5 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 5 most-saved Helianthemum varieties
2 species of Helianthemum
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Helianthemum in Sow
Save the Helianthemum you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Helianthemum
Whats common across all Helianthemum varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 5 most-grown of them.
The Helianthemum year
- PruneJuly and August80% of varieties
Shear back by 1/3 after first bloom to encourage denser growth and potential rebloom.
- MulchMarch and April60% of varieties
Apply a thin layer of gravel or light mulch to keep roots cool.
- Spring CleanupFebruary and March60% of varieties
Remove any dead or damaged foliage from winter.
Do
- Give it full sun and sharp drainage ☀️
- Use alkaline, gritty or sandy soil 🪨
- Shear it back after flowering ✂️
- Let it sprawl over walls and rocks 🧱
- Water sparingly to avoid overwatering 🌱
Avoid
- Plant it in wet or heavy soil ❌
- Water it freely once established ❌
- Leave it unpruned and let it go woody ❌
- Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot ❌
What goes wrong with Helianthemum
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Apply insecticidal soap organic spray |
| Generally pest-free | No significant insect damage is typical | Monitor only; no routine treatment needed |
| Root rot | Wilting and blackened roots | Improve soil drainage and reduce watering |
| Root and crown rot | Sudden collapse of stems in poorly drained soil, especially over winter | Improve drainage or replant on a slope; affected plants rarely recover |
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 5 distinct Helianthemum varieties. The most popular — ranked by 119 real gardeners — 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, late spring to 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.