Rock Rose Helianthemum 'Ben Ledi'
ABOUT
Helianthemum 'Ben Ledi', commonly known as rock rose, is a vibrant and attractive plant. It features a dense, mat-forming growth habit, providing a low spreading mound of foliage. The leaves are small, oblong, and green, often with a slightly silver or greyish tinge, giving them a somewhat frosted appearance. The rock rose blooms profusely, with a succession of flowers that emerge in the late spring to early summer. Its flowers stand out beautifully against the green foliage – they are typically a deep, rosy pink color, resembling miniature roses. Each blossom has five delicate petals that radiate around a central core of golden yellow stamens, which adds a striking contrast to the flower's overall hue. The overall impression of the rock rose is one of a hardy yet delicate beauty, with its carpet of grayish-green leaves bursting into a bright show of flowers that add a splash of color to gardens and rockeries.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Rock Rose, Sunrose
Common names
Helianthemum 'Ben Ledi'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant Helianthemum 'Ben Ledi', commonly known as rock rose, is not widely recognized for being toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases or reports of poisoning from ingestion of rock rose, indicating that it is presumed safe with respect to human toxicity. That being said, it is generally recommended to avoid ingesting any part of ornamental plants due to the potential for individual allergies or sensitivities.
To pets
Rock rose is not known to be toxic to pets. It is not listed among plants commonly recognized as poisonous to animals such as dogs and cats. However, as with humans, it is generally best to prevent pets from ingesting plants not meant for consumption, as they could potentially cause gastrointestinal upset or an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
0.5 feet (15 cm)
Spread
1.5 feet (45 cm)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: The Rock Rose 'Ben Ledi' has vibrant pink flowers that add aesthetic appeal to gardens and landscapes.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, it is drought-tolerant and requires minimal care.
- Ground Cover: Its mat-forming habit is efficient for controlling erosion and covering bare spots.
- Attracts Wildlife: The blooms attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.
- Seasonal Interest: The plant provides seasonal interest with its summer blooming period and evergreen foliage.
- Suitable for Rock Gardens: Its compact size and growth habit make it perfect for rock gardens and alpine settings.
- Tolerant of Poor Soil: It can thrive in less fertile soils, making it versatile for different garden conditions.
- Sun-loving: The Rock Rose 'Ben Ledi' enjoys full sun, making it ideal for sunny areas of the garden.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Plant dye: The petals of the rock rose can be used to produce a natural dye for coloring fabrics or art projects.
- Erosion control: Rock rose plants help stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes due to their dense rooting habit.
- Crafts: Dried flowers and leaves can be used in potpourri or as part of decorative wreaths and floral arrangements.
- Photography: The vibrant colors and shapes of rock rose flowers make them excellent subjects for botanical photography.
- Education: Rock rose can be used in educational settings to teach about plant life cycles, pollination, and drought-tolerant gardening.
- Eco-friendly confetti: Dried petals can serve as a biodegradable alternative to traditional confetti for celebrations.
- Scented gardens: The rock rose emits a pleasant scent, making it a good choice for aromatic garden themes.
- Culinary decoration: Although not commonly used for consumption, petals can occasionally adorn salads or desserts for visual enhancement.
- Wildlife garden: Rock rose plants attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting biodiversity in gardens.
- Symbolism: In some cultures, the rock rose may be used symbolically in gardens to represent survival and resilience due to its hardiness in poor conditions.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Rock Rose is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Rock Rose is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience and Survival: The Helianthemum, commonly known as Rock Rose, often grows in challenging conditions, symbolizing the ability to endure and thrive in tough situations.
- Beauty and Radiance: With its bright flowers, the Rock Rose symbolizes beauty, suggesting one should always seek to find and appreciate the beautiful aspects of life.
- Healing: Rock Rose is used in Bach flower remedies for its calming properties, symbolizing healing and emotional support during times of stress or panic.
- Ephemeral Nature of Life: The flowers of the Rock Rose may only last a day, reminding us of the temporary nature of life and the importance of living in the moment.
- Protection: Historically, some cultures have associated the Rock Rose with protection due to its ability to survive wild fires, symbolizing safety and resilience against adversity.
WaterRock rose plants, like Helianthemum 'Ben Ledi', should be watered deeply but infrequently to encourage a deep root system. They prefer drier conditions, so allow the soil to dry out somewhat between waterings. During the active growing season in spring and summer, you may water them every one to two weeks, with around 1-2 gallons depending on the plant's size and weather conditions. In the cooler months, reduce watering frequency. Always check the top inch of the soil for dryness before watering again.
LightRock roses, such as the Helianthemum 'Ben Ledi', thrive in full sun conditions where they receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. A south-facing location is ideal to provide them with the sunlight they need to flourish. Avoid shady spots as insufficient light can lead to poor flowering and leggy growth.
TemperatureRock rose plants like Helianthemum 'Ben Ledi' prefer temperate conditions and can survive in temperatures ranging from approximately 30 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They perform best in conditions between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Protect the plant from the extreme cold as temperatures below 30 degrees Fahrenheit can damage the plant.
PruningRock roses like Helianthemum 'Ben Ledi' benefit from pruning to maintain a neat shape and encourage bushier growth. Prune them in early spring, removing dead or weak branches, as well as spent blooms from the previous season. This practice can be done annually or as needed to rejuvenate the plant.
CleaningNot needed
SoilRock Rose 'Ben Ledi' thrives in well-draining soil with a mix of loam, sand, and peat to ensure proper drainage and aeration. The ideal pH range for this plant is neutral to slightly alkaline, around 6.0 to 8.0. Amending the soil with organic matter can help to provide the nutrients needed for optimal growth.
RepottingRock Rose 'Ben Ledi' should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and prevent root-bound conditions. When repotting, it's important to use a similar well-draining soil mix to support the plant's growth and health.
Humidity & MistingRock Rose 'Ben Ledi' prefers a drier environment and can tolerate arid conditions with low humidity levels. While it doesn't require high humidity, it's important to ensure that air circulation around the plant is good to prevent any potential moisture-related issues.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light, limit water, avoid high humidity.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-draining soil, shelter from extreme weather.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Helianthemum 'Ben Ledi', commonly known as Rock Rose, begins its life cycle as a seed which, when sown in well-draining soil and exposed to sunlight, will germinate to produce a small seedling. This seedling then develops into a young plant, establishing a root system and sprouting leaves. As the plant matures, it forms a low, bushy mound with evergreen foliage, reaching its full size in a few growing seasons. During late spring to early summer, the Rock Rose blossoms, producing vibrant, saucer-shaped flowers that attract pollinators and may repeat bloom if deadheaded. After pollination, the flowers form seed pods that, when dry, release seeds to begin a new generation. In the winter, Rock Rose enters a period of dormancy, which allows it to conserve energy and withstand colder temperatures until the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Helianthemum 'Ben Ledi', commonly known as Rock Rose, is most frequently propagated by semi-ripe cuttings taken in summer. This popular method involves selecting healthy, non-flowering shoots from the current season’s growth. Cut a section of stem about 3 to 5 inches long, just below a leaf node, and strip the lower leaves away. Dipping the cut end in rooting hormone can encourage root development. Then, insert the cutting into a well-draining potting mix or a mixture of perlite and peat. The pot should be placed in a warm, shaded location and kept moist but not waterlogged. Cuttings typically root in several weeks, after which they can be gradually hardened off before transplanting.
