Rock rose Helianthemum 'Jubilee' (d)

Water

Water the rock rose, upon checking the top inch of the soil, ensuring that it has begun to dry out before watering again. Typically, this might mean watering approximately once a week, but this can vary depending on the environment and season. Use a watering can to gently soak the soil around the plant, applying roughly one to two gallons of water, depending on the size of the plant and the dryness of the soil. Avoid waterlogging the plant as rock roses prefer well-draining soil. During the winter months, reduce the frequency of watering since the plant will go dormant and require less moisture.

Light

Rock rose thrives in full sun, meaning it prefers to receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. The ideal spot for this plant would be a south-facing garden bed or a sunny slope that is well-drained. Partial shade is tolerated, especially in hot climates, but too much shade can lead to sparse flowering and a leggy growth habit.

Temperature

Rock rose plants are hardy in a range of temperatures, but they perform best when the temperature is between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. They are capable of withstanding short periods of frost, but prolonged exposure to temperatures below 20 degrees Fahrenheit may harm the plant. Ideal growing conditions would also protect the plant from extreme winter cold and intense summer heat.

Pruning

Prune rock rose to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. The best time for pruning is after the plant has finished blooming, usually in late spring or early summer. Cut back the spent flowers and about a third of the plant’s overall height to stimulate new growth and prepare for the next flowering season. Pruning regularly, at least once a year, also helps to rejuvenate the plant.

Cleaning

Not needed

Soil

Rock Rose 'Jubilee' prefers well-draining soil with some sand or grit, in a mix designed for cacti or succulents. It requires a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.5.

Repotting

Rock Rose 'Jubilee' does not need frequent repotting; it is typically done every 2-3 years unless the plant outgrows its container.

Humidity & Misting

Rock Rose 'Jubilee' is tolerant of dry conditions and does not require high humidity, making it suitable for typical indoor environments.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright light and well-draining soil for Rock Rose 'Jubilee'.

• Outdoor

  Plant in sunny spot with well-draining soil for Rock Rose 'Jubilee'.

• Hardiness zone

  Rock Rose 'Jubilee' fits in the 5-9 USDA hardiness zones.

Life cycle

The life cycle of the Helianthemum 'Jubilee', commonly known as Rock Rose, starts with seed germination, commonly in early spring. After germination, the seedling begins to establish its root system and develop foliage, thriving in well-drained, sandy soil with ample sunlight. As it matures, the plant forms a low, bushy mound of small green leaves, and by late spring to early summer, it starts to produce a profusion of brightly colored, cup-shaped flowers, usually lasting several weeks. Once pollinated, often by bees, the flowers will produce small brown capsules filled with seeds by late summer. During fall, the plant prepares for dormancy by slowing its growth as temperatures drop; in mild climates, it may remain evergreen, while in colder regions it can die back to the ground. The plant's life cycle is perennial, thus after winter dormancy, it will regrow from the base and the cycle begins anew.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Helianthemum 'Jubilee', commonly known as Rock Rose, is typically propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. The ideal time for taking cuttings is in summer when the plant has finished its main flush of flowering, usually late July to August. To propagate Rock Rose, a gardener should carefully select healthy, non-flowering stems and cut a length of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm), just below a leaf node. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cutting can be dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root development, though this is not strictly necessary. The cutting is then placed in a pot filled with a mixture of peat and perlite or a well-draining potting soil, ensuring that at least one node is buried where roots can form. The cutting should be kept moist and placed in a warm area with indirect sunlight until roots have developed, which usually takes several weeks. Once rooted, the new Rock Rose plants can be gradually acclimatized to outdoor conditions before planting out into their permanent positions.