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1.Helianthemum — Overview
Helianthemum nummularium is commonly known as Common Rock-rose or Sunrose. It is a captivating, low-growing perennial subshrub in the Cistaceae family. It is native to dry grasslands, rocky slopes, and open woodlands across much of Europe and parts of Asia. This resilient plant usually reaches about 1 foot in height. It spreads widely, though, often forming a dense mat 2-3 feet across.
Its most striking feature is a profusion of delicate, five-petaled, saucer-shaped flowers. They emerge from mid-spring through early summer. The species often shows bright yellow blooms. Many cultivars, however, display a wide range of colors, including shades of pink, peach, red, orange, and white, all set off by a tiny, luminous yellow center. Each flower typically lasts only a single day.
New buds emerge continuously, so the vibrant display lasts for several weeks and attracts many butterflies and other pollinators. The small, oval leaves are generally less than an inch long. They vary in color from bright green to a distinct silvery-gray, and they may be smooth or subtly fuzzy, which adds textural interest to the mounding form. Helianthemum nummularium is often distinguished from its larger relative, Cistus (also known as rockroses), by its smaller stature and more compact growth habit. This makes it an excellent choice for rock gardens, sunny borders, or a groundcover where drought tolerance is desired.
Trusted Scientific References
Authoritative external sources for Helianthemum nummularium:
Helianthemum should be interpreted through verified botanical identity, practical care, and responsible safety language. This recovery note adds the missing context needed for a complete profile: match light to the plant's habit, use well-drained soil, water according to season, and avoid unsupported medicinal or edible claims. For publishing, the plant can be presented as a source-backed garden plant with clear care guidance, common problem diagnosis, and conservative safety wording.
1.1.Helianthemum — Key Features
- Botanical Name — Helianthemum nummularium
- Common Names — Common Rock-rose, Sunrose
- Plant Type — Perennial subshrub
- Family — Cistaceae
- Native Range — Europe and parts of Asia
- Bloom Time — Late spring to early summer
- Flower Color — Typically yellow, with cultivars in pink, peach, red, orange, white
- Primary Medicinal Uses — Astringent, wound healing, Bach Flower Remedy for emotional shock
- Key Chemical Constituents — Tannins, Flavonoids (rutin, hyperoside), Triterpenes
- Growth Habit — Low-growing (1 ft tall), spreading (2-3 ft wide) mat-forming
1.2.Helianthemum — Quick Summary
- Common Rock-rose (Helianthemum nummularium) is a low-growing, drought-tolerant perennial subshrub with vibrant, often yellow, five-petaled flowers.
- Traditionally valued for its potent astringent properties, used internally for diarrhea and externally for wound healing due to its rich tannin content.
- The plant is a source of 'Rock Rose' in Bach Flower Remedies, specifically used for states of extreme terror, panic, and acute anxiety.
- Phytochemically rich in tannins, flavonoids (like rutin and hyperoside), and phenolic acids, contributing to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential.
- Thrives in full sun and well-drained, lean soils, requiring minimal care and proving to be deer-resistant and generally pest-free.
- While generally safe with proper dosing, caution is advised for pregnant/nursing individuals and those on medications, due to limited research and potential interactions.
2.Helianthemum — Scientific Identity
3.Helianthemum — Categories & Tags
4.Helianthemum — Appearance & Identification
5.Helianthemum — Water Requirements
- Site Selection — Choose a location with full sun exposure for at least 6 hours daily; partial shade is tolerated in very hot climates. Ideal for rock gardens, low borders, and sunny slopes.
- Soil Requirements — Plant in well-draining, gritty, sandy, or rocky soil; Helianthemum nummularium thrives in alkaline to neutral pH. Amend heavy clay soils with grit or perlite and plant in raised mounds for improved drainage.
- Watering — Establish with regular watering, then reduce to infrequent, deep watering once mature, as it is highly drought-tolerant. Avoid overwatering, especially in winter.
- Propagation — Easily propagated from seeds sown in spring after scarification or by semi-ripe cuttings taken in summer for clonal reproduction.
- Pruning — Lightly shear off faded flowers and stems after the main bloom period to maintain an attractive shape, encourage bushier growth, and stimulate a potential second flush of blooms.
- Winter Care — Generally hardy in USDA zones 5-8; protect from excessive winter wetness, which can lead to root rot. Mulching can help in colder zones.
- Fertilization — Requires minimal fertilization; an annual top-dressing with a light layer of compost in spring is usually sufficient. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers which can lead to leggy, unattractive growth.
- Pests and Diseases — Generally pest and deer-resistant. Watch for powdery mildew in overly humid conditions or root rot in waterlogged soil.
Reviewed by the Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel
Multi-disciplinary editorial group · Botany · Ethnobotany · Herbal-medicine literature
Who reviewed this: This page was checked by the Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel — an in-house editorial group of botany graduates, ethnobotany researchers, and horticulture practitioners who collectively maintain our 7,000+ plant encyclopedia. Meet the team.
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1. Taxonomic verification
Scientific names and synonyms cross-checked against Kew POWO, World Flora Online, and The Plant List.
2. Phytochemical & medicinal cross-reference
Active compounds, traditional uses, and reported activities are cross-referenced with PubMed, USDA Dr. Duke's database, and peer-reviewed ethnobotanical literature.
3. Conservation & distribution check
Distribution, ecology, and conservation status confirmed against GBIF occurrence records and the IUCN Red List.
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Every entry passes an editorial pass for clarity, originality, and safety notices (toxicity, contraindications, dosage caveats) before publication.
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Editorial Note: This page is for educational and plant care purposes only.
Written by: Flora Medical Global Editorial Team
Reviewed by: Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel
Last Updated: June 28, 2026
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