Northwest Blooms · Groundcovers
Helianthemum ‘Henfield Brilliant’
Henfield Brilliant Rock Rose
- Family
- Cistaceae
- Height
- 6 to 12 inches tall
- Width
- 12 to 18 inches wide
- Flower color
- Bright red-orange
- Foliage color
- Gray-green
- Bloom time
- Late spring to early summer
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Low to medium; prefers well-draining soil
- Maintenance
- Low; benefits from deadheading to prolong flowering
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 5 to 9
- Wildlife
- Attracts bees and butterflies; deer resistant
About this plant
Helianthemum 'Henfield Brilliant' is a low-growing perennial native to Europe, North Africa, and western Asia, prized for its profusion of deep orange-red, saucer-shaped flowers with yellow centers. Blooming abundantly in late spring to early summer, each flower lasts just one day but is quickly replaced, ensuring a long-lasting display. This plant thrives in poor, rocky soils, full sun, and slightly alkaline soil, making it ideal for rock gardens and challenging planting sites. Its dense mat of gray-green, evergreen foliage provides an attractive backdrop for the vibrant blooms. 'Henfield Brilliant' is drought-tolerant, requires little maintenance, and is attractive to bees and butterflies while being deer-resistant, adding value to pollinator and deer-prone gardens.
Works well in
Rock Gardens · Waterwise Gardens · Mediterranean Gardens · Pollinator Gardens
Companion plants
Seathrifts · Lavender cotton · Lilacs · Blue fescue · Lavender · Red hot poker
Design tip
Plant in broad drifts across rocky slopes or gravel gardens where the vivid flowers can echo warm stone colors. Surround with silver foliage, upright grasses, and evergreen shrubs to create a layered, drought-tolerant composition that remains attractive throughout the year.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at the Bellevue Botanical Garden.
