Helianthemum 'Red Dragon' (Rock Rose)
Rock Rose 'Red Dragon', Sun Rose 'Red Dragon'
Helianthemum 'Red Dragon' (Rock Rose or Sun Rose) is a charming low-growing evergreen subshrub resembling a flower carpet in late spring to late summer. Abundant, showy, saucer-shaped, bright red flowers, 1 in. across (3 cm), adorned with a boss of central yellow stamens literally smother the plant. Each flower opens for one day only, but new buds keep opening, enabling a long-lasting display for months. While the flowers are the main attraction, the evergreen foliage of dark green, lance-shaped leaves, is almost as compelling. Because of its ground-hugging habit, 'Red Dragon' makes a terrific ground cover for a sunny location. Once established, this Mediterranean native is very drought tolerant and quite resilient, without being invasive.
- 'Red Dragon' is more upright than most Rock Roses and grows up to 12 in. tall (30 cm) and 24 in. wide (60 cm).
- Best in full sun in dry, sandy or rocky, alkaline, well-drained soils. This plant prefers cool summers and warm winters and is not reliably hardy in USDA zone 5. Drought tolerant.
- A great choice for banks and slopes, rock gardens, coastal gardens, cottage gardens, as an edging plant, ground cover, or for your border fronts. Lovely on a stone wall for a cascading effect.
- Deer and rabbit resistant.
- Shear plants after flowering to shape and to promote new growth.
- Propagate by softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer
- Generally pest and disease free
- Ensure it is pruned annually, to prevent it from becoming leggy. It may not regenerate from old wood.
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Requirements
Hardiness | 4
– 9 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 6
– 8 |
Climate Zones | 2, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Plant Family | Helianthemum - Rock Roses |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) |
Height | 1' (30cm) |
Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spacing | 24" (60cm) |
Water Needs | Low |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought, Rabbit |
Garden Uses | Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Edging, Ground Covers |
Garden Styles | Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden |
Great Plant Combination Ideas with Helianthemum - Rock Roses
©judywhite / GardenPhotos.com
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 4
– 9 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 6
– 8 |
Climate Zones | 2, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Plant Family | Helianthemum - Rock Roses |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) |
Height | 1' (30cm) |
Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spacing | 24" (60cm) |
Water Needs | Low |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought, Rabbit |
Garden Uses | Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Edging, Ground Covers |
Garden Styles | Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden |
Great Plant Combination Ideas with Helianthemum - Rock Roses