Helianthemum ‘Red Dragon’ (Rock Rose)

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.