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Key characteristics

Family: Cistaceae
Height: 8 to 12 inches
Width: 18 to 24 inches
Flower color: Golden yellow with orange eye
Foliage color: Gray-green
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer
Light: Full sun
Water: Low, drought tolerant
Maintenance: Low; occasional pruning after blooming may encourage more compact growth
Growing zone: USDA Zones 5 to 8
Wildlife: Attracts bees and other pollinators

Groundcovers

Helianthemum ‘Ben Fhada’

Ben Fhada Rock Rose

Helianthemum 'Ben Fhada', commonly known as Rock Rose, is a low-growing, evergreen perennial prized for its cheerful yellow flowers with orange eyes. Blooming from late spring through early summer, the bright, cup-shaped flowers are carried in abundance, creating a sunny, vibrant display in garden borders or rock gardens. Each bloom lasts only a day, but the plant produces such a profusion of flowers that it remains in bloom for several weeks.

Light

Full sun

Water

Low, drought tolerant

Bloom time

Late spring to early summer

Find this plant

Works well in

Rock Gardens
Waterwise Gardens
Mediterranean Gardens
Pollinator Gardens

Companion plants

Candytuft · Stonecrop · Lilacs · Blue fescue · Lavender · Red hot poker

Design tip

Plant this sun-loving groundcover between boulders or along gravel paths where broad drifts can soften hard edges. Combine silver, blue, and upright companions nearby to create layered plantings that remain colorful and textural long after the flowering display has finished.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)