Woolly Sunrose

helianthemum hirtum

Also known as: ["Woolly Rockrose","Hairy Sunrose"]

Family: Cistaceae Genus: Helianthemum Category: Shrubs

Overview

A low-growing, evergreen shrub native to Mediterranean regions, known for its bright yellow, five-petaled flowers that bloom in spring and summer.

Benefits & Perks

["long-flowering","drought tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","low maintenance"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Malvales
Family: Cistaceae
Genus: Helianthemum
Botanical Name: Helianthemum hirtum

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Shrubs
  • Suitable Location: rock garden, sunny border, or container with excellent drainage
  • Suitable For:
    Busy People (low Maintenance) Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"7–9"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining.
  • Soil Type: Sandy, gritty, or loamy soil with excellent drainage. Avoid heavy clay soils.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: low
  • Toughness Level: high
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually after flowering or every 2–3 years to rejuvenate.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth if needed.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours direct sunlight daily). Tolerates partial shade but blooms best in full sun.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually if moving from shade to sun. Protect from intense midday heat in summer. Outdoor placement is ideal; ensure good air circulation.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor drainage or incorrect soil conditions.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

moderate

Sunlight

full sun

Full sun is essential; avoid deep shade; rotate regularly for even growth.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter

Water deeply but infrequently; avoid overwatering; ensure excellent drainage.

Soil

well-drained, sandy or gravelly soil

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Ensure fast drainage; avoid waterlogged soil; use gritty amendments.

Temperature

Prefers warm temperatures (65–80°F or 18–27°C). Tolerates mild frosts but thrives in heat.

Protect from frost; ensure good air circulation; avoid sudden temperature swings.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer

Use sparingly; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or division. Stem cuttings are more common for home growers.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 3–4 inch cuttings.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Keep moist and warm.

Best Time: Late spring to early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm (70–75°F or 21–24°C), high humidity (70–80%), and bright indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus/succulent soil.

Hormone

Recommended to use rooting hormone for faster root development.

Timeline

Roots develop in 3–6 weeks; establish in new pot within 2–3 months.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat if possible.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back tips for bushiness; cut back leggy stems to encourage branching.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or weak growth.

Tools

Sharp pruning shears, sterilized scissors.

Checklist

Sterilize tools; prune after flowering; remove dead wood; shape evenly.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before new growth begins.

Pot Size

Move to a pot one size larger (1–2 inches wider in diameter).

Method

Use fresh, well-draining soil; trim any dead roots; ensure pot has drainage holes.

Suggestions

Repot only when root-bound, as Helianthemum prefers slightly cramped roots. Every 2–3 years is sufficient.

Checklist

Check root boundness; use fresh soil; ensure drainage; minimal root disturbance.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil dryness; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base, targeting the root zone. Apply until water drains from the bottom, then stop to prevent waterlogging. Water in the morning to minimize evaporation.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a long spout to direct water precisely to the roots, avoiding foliage.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water sparingly, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings. Reduce frequency in winter to once every 3–4 weeks.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite, coarse sand, or pumice to improve drainage; incorporate organic matter like compost for fertility.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, leaf drop, or stunted growth in cold; scorching or leaf burn in excessive heat.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, may cause leaf drop or dieback in prolonged cold below 20°F (-7°C).

Solution: Provide frost protection in winter; move indoors if temperatures drop below freezing.

Hot Stress

Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop if exposed to intense heat without adequate water.

Solution: Provide afternoon shade in extreme heat; water deeply but infrequently.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength. Apply monthly during growing season (spring–summer); avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellow leaves in Helianthemum hirtum may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Wilting in Helianthemum hirtum is often a sign of water stress, either due to drought or overwatering, which can lead to root damage and plant decline.

Leaf spots on Helianthemum hirtum may be caused by fungal or bacterial infections, resulting in reduced photosynthesis and aesthetic damage to the plant.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, can occur in Helianthemum hirtum if the soil is excessively moist, leading to decay and potential plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Helianthemum hirtum is not known to be toxic to cats. There are no documented adverse effects associated with ingestion or contact.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific safety precautions are necessary for cats interacting with this plant.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Helianthemum hirtum is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no documented adverse effects associated with ingestion or contact.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific safety precautions are necessary for dogs interacting with this plant.
Humans
Non-toxic

Helianthemum hirtum is not known to exhibit toxic properties to humans. It is generally considered safe for handling and incidental ingestion.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific safety precautions are necessary for human interaction with this plant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often should Helianthemum hirtum be watered?

A: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. It is drought-tolerant once established.

Q: Does Helianthemum hirtum attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its nectar-rich flowers.

Q: Is Helianthemum hirtum toxic to pets?

A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.

Quick Reference
Family: Cistaceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["busy people (low maintenance)","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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