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Key characteristics

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

Groundcovers

Helianthemum ‘Henfield Brilliant’

Henfield Brilliant Rock Rose

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.

Light

Full sun

Water

Low to medium; prefers well-draining soil

Bloom time

Late spring to early summer

Find this plant

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.