Rock Rose

helianthemum canum

Also known as: ["Sunrose","Fume Bush"]

Family: Cistaceae Genus: Helianthemum Category: Flowers

Overview

A low-growing, evergreen shrub native to rocky, dry habitats, known for its bright yellow, rose-like flowers that bloom profusely 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 canum

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: rock gardens, alpine troughs, or sunny borders
  • Suitable For:
    Busy People (low Maintenance) Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"6–9"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining
  • Soil Type: Sandy, gritty, well-draining mix with low organic matter
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: low
  • Toughness Level: high
  • Pruning Frequency: After flowering; lightly prune throughout growing season
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours direct sunlight daily); adjust for intense summer heat by providing partial afternoon shade.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense light; protect from harsh midday sun; place in brightest window indoors.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor drainage or overwatering.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

moderate

Sunlight

full sun

Rotate plant weekly; use sheer curtains in summer; avoid north-facing windows.

Watering

every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry between waterings

Water deeply but infrequently; avoid waterlogged soil; adjust for dormancy periods.

Soil

well-draining, sandy or gravelly soil

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0)

Avoid heavy garden soil; ensure rapid drainage; top-dress with gravel for aesthetics.

Temperature

Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates mild frosts but thrives in warm, dry conditions.

Avoid drafty areas; protect from frost; monitor for heat stress in summer.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring and summer)

Dilute fertilizer to half strength; fertilize after watering; stop in fall/winter.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings

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: Spring or early summer when plant is actively growing

Environment

Warm (65–75°F), high humidity (70–80%), bright indirect light

Medium

Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss

Hormone

Recommended for faster rooting

Timeline

Roots in 2–4 weeks; establish in 2–3 months

Tools Needed

Pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, perlite, peat moss

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep medium consistently moist; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Deadhead spent flowers; trim leggy stems to encourage branching

Pruning Plan

Promote bushiness and remove spent flowers; maintain compact shape.

Tools

Clean pruners or scissors

Checklist

Sanitize tools; prune after flowering; remove dead/damaged growth; shape evenly.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before active growth begins

Pot Size

One size up; no more than 2 inches larger in diameter

Method

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

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; prefers slightly root-bound conditions.

Checklist

Check root boundness; prepare new pot; trim roots if needed; use fresh soil mix.

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, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone without wetting foliage. Allow excess to drain freely; water in the morning to minimize evaporation.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a long spout to direct water precisely to the soil surface.
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 coarse sand or perlite to improve drainage; use cactus or succulent mix as base.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

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

Cold Stress

Slows growth, may cause root rot if soil remains wet; leaves may turn purple or brown.

Solution: Move to a warmer location; ensure excellent drainage; apply a light layer of mulch for insulation.

Hot Stress

Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; growth may cease during extreme heat.

Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase humidity with misting; water deeply but infrequently.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check growth phase; dilute properly; apply to moist soil; avoid contact with leaves.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring/summer); avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

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

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

Leaf spots on Helianthemum canum may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency and potential defoliation.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, can occur in Helianthemum canum due to excessive moisture or fungal infections, leading to plant decline and potential death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Helianthemum canum is not considered toxic to cats. It does not produce any known harmful physiological effects when ingested by felines.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
none
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No special precautions are needed for cats around this plant.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Helianthemum canum is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no documented adverse effects associated with ingestion by canines.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
none
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No special precautions are needed for dogs around this plant.
Humans
Non-toxic

Helianthemum canum is not considered toxic to humans. It has no known adverse physiological effects when ingested in typical amounts.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
none
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No special precautions are needed for human handling or consumption of this plant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often should Helianthemum canum be watered?

A: It is drought-tolerant and requires infrequent watering, typically once every 1-2 weeks, depending on climate conditions.

Q: Does Helianthemum canum attract wildlife?

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

Q: Can Helianthemum canum be grown in containers?

A: Yes, it can be grown in containers, provided the soil is well-draining and it receives ample sunlight.

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