Common Rock Rose – Helianthemum nummularium

Common Rock Rose (Helianthemum nummularium) is a member of the Rock Rose Family and is a Perennial Dwarf Shrub.

Common Rock Rose, over the years has adapted to very hot, dry habitats. The drier the ground, the more of a dwarf shrub it becomes, although it is very efficient in absorbing water. The roots of this plant can reach up to 50 cm down into the ground, the leaves are densely haired on the under side, this helps the plant to save water throughout the drought seasons, even in extreme heat for prolonged periods, the rock rose can also shed some leaves to help it reduce the surface area and water loss.

Common rockrose only opens its flowers in fine weather and always directs them away from the sun. The flower doesnt produce nectar but is still visited by pollen gathering insects. Although the leaves are hairless above, they are white and woolly underneath and appear in opposite pairs up the stem.

The flowers have 5 petals arranged in a rose like appearance, as a garden plant, it can be found in a wide range of colours, but typically in the wild it is a pale yellow colour with an orange spot at th base of the petals. Although it is a slow growing plant, it is found on rich short turfed soils

Height: 10 – 20 cm
Flowering Time: May to Sept
Preferred Conditions: Needs rich soil to thrive.

Common Rock Rose - helianthemum nummularium