Also known as Sun Rose · 121 saves
Helianthemum
Helianthemum, the genus most gardeners know as sun rose. We track 4 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 4 most-saved Helianthemum varieties
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 4 most-grown of them.
The Helianthemum year
- PruneAugust and September75% of varieties
Shear back by about one-third after flowering to maintain a compact, dense habit.
- MulchMay50% of varieties
Apply a gravel or stone chip mulch to improve drainage around the crown.
- Spring CleanupApril50% of varieties
Lightly trim to remove any winter-damaged tips and shape the plant.
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 once established to avoid overwatering 🌱
Avoid
- Plant it in wet or heavy soil ❌
- Water it freely once established ❌
- Leave it unpruned and let it go woody ❌
- Don’t overwater; it prefers dry conditions ❌
What goes wrong with Helianthemum
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Distorted or sticky leaves | Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Generally pest-free | No significant insect damage is typical | Monitor only; no routine treatment needed |
| Root rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves | 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
- Plant in well-draining soil and keep moist for 6 weeks
- Transplant when roots are established
Seed
- Tuck seeds into moist, well-draining soil in early spring
- Keep soil lightly moist until germination occurs (about 2 weeks)
- Transplant seedlings after they develop several leaves
Helianthemum questions
How many types of Helianthemum are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 4 distinct Helianthemum varieties. The most popular — ranked by 121 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Helianthemum grow in?
Across its varieties, Helianthemum covers USDA Zones 5–8. 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.