Helianthemum apenninum

WHITE ROCK ROSE

No WA

Helianthemum apenninum
WHITE ROCK ROSE

Helianthemum apenninum is a valuable addition to any garden design, but indispensable for gardeners in hot and dry climates.
Not permitted for entry to WA

Whiter then white cups of bloom on silver foliage

The blooms of Helianthemum apenninum are charming.
Nodding buds open to pure, snowy white discs that look boldly up at you.
Each flowers is large and showy – a cupped disc of approximately 3cm. across, with a centre of prominent golden stamens, and a sunshine yellow little stain at the base of each overlapping petal – like a flock of single roses.
So the overall effect is striking.
As the crepe-paper like, snow white discs float above a silver carpet of foliage.

White crepe cups on eye-catching downy silver foliage 

Silvery, downy leaves and silver felt stems make the perfect setting for white cups of blooms: as if the whole plant has been dusted with silver flour.

Blooms for months – from mid spring into autumn

Helianthemum apenninum blooms for months – from mid-spring into autumn.
With a continuous procession of flowers (much to the delight of gardeners and bees alike).
“Helianthemum” means “flowers of the sun” because the flowers open in the sun and close at night.
Each flower lasts but one day, but they are constantly replaced for many months from the crop of  daintily nodding buds.

Brilliant groundcover

Helianthemum apenninum makes a brilliant groundcover with its compact and low spreading, bushy growth; plus the pale glowing colouring.
So it makes a pool of silver contrast in the garden or pot all year round (it is soundly evergreen – even in areas with cold, frosty winters).

Cascades of silver down a wall, over an edge, or between paving

Tough little White Rock Rose is an ideal choice for spilling down a steep bank; cascading over a wall; draping from a pot; or planting between paving stones.
It is also a perfect underplanting or edging for taller flowers or shrubs, and roses of any colour –  with its ghostly silver and white colouring.

Popular for green roofs & vertical gardens

It is likewise popular for green roofs and vertical gardens, due to its tough and undemanding constitution.

Favourite for pots, new gardens & low maintenance planting

 Helianthemum apenninum has all the glamour to feature in decorative pot.
And it is a great choice for those establishing a new garden – it is very quick growing and so tough; or for low maintenance plantings. 

Perfectly adapted to summer dry & heat

As a native of rocky, hot and sandy places in southern Europe (Italy, France and Greece particularly) and of Northern Africa – tough little Helianthemum apenninum relishes dry and heat.
It grows naturally in limestone conditions, so it is a great choice for gardeners with alkaline soil or seaside conditions, or low fertility, shallow soils.

Water wise & drought resistant
Helianthemum apenninum is particularly drought-resistant and heat hardy.
So it is ideal for gardeners with limited water and hot, dry summers.

Frost hardy

The dear little White Rock Rose might look charming and delicate, but really it is a little toughie.
It is robustly frost hardy, as well as heat and dry hardy.
And can withstand frosts down to approximately -10°C, and even more if it is in a very well drained pot or position.

Food for bees & useful pollinators

Bees and other useful pollinators are particularly fond of the nectar and pollen from Helianthemum apenninum.
So it is a great plant to bring them into your garden.
And keep them there, as it is so long blooming with a constant procession of flowers for the pollinators to frolic in.

Some resistance to rabbits & deer

White Rock Rose plants have a rather bitter taste and a furry texture, so they are not high on the menu for nibbling brutes. They are not completely immune, but less likely to be grazed.

Tough, hardy, evergreen groundcover shrub 

Helianthemum apenninum is an evergreen, very low, spreading groundcover shrub.
25cm. High x 30cm. Wide.

SEED SOWING ADVICE:

Seeds of Helianthemum apenninum can be sown at any time indoors in punnets, whenever suitable temperatures can be provided.
OR
Scatter directly in the garden during autumn for spring germination (the cold period of winter helps germination).

Sow indoors for quicker and maximum germination: First sow the seeds in a punnet on the surface of good quality seed raising mix.
Pat gently to ensure good contact with the mix.
Then just lightly sprinkle the seeds with sieved mix or fine vermiculite, but do not bury deeply.
Because these seeds need light to germinate.

Now thoroughly moisten the punnet by standing it in a shallow water bath.
And allowing the moisture to percolate up to the surface of the mix from below.

Then drain and place the punnet in a warm, well-lit position (with good light but no direct sunlight) for 4-6 weeks.

Temperatures of 18-20°C approx. are ideal for this pre-conditioning period of warmth.
You can use a heat mat to maintain consistent warmth.

Continue to keep the punnet moist by misting the punnet regularly from a spray water bottle.
Covering the punnet with a clear plastic cover will also help to maintain necessary consistent moisture.

Seeds may germinate during this period of warmth and are ready to prick out and grow on.
But if there is no germination – then the seeds need a period of chilling to break their natural dormancy.
So now wrap the moist punnet in cling-wrap or a clip-lock bag, and place in the fridge (not freezer) for 6-8 weeks.
This mimics winter chilling to break the seed’s natural dormancy.

Then remove from fridge, unwrap, and return to a warm, well-lit position (but no direct sunlight).
Temperatures of 18-20°C approx. are ideal for optimum germination.

Once the seedlings have developed their first true leaves, prick out the seedlings into small pots and grow on until planting out into the garden.

Seed Count: 100 seeds per pack approx.
(We always aim to exceed the stated seed count, and give a generous serve).

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