This showy, floriferous, mat-like perennial groundcover is as beautiful as it is functional. Known as the sun rose plant helianthemum, and botanically related to helianthemum nummularium (commonly called the common rock rose helianthemum nummularium), it owes its name to the 1” rose-like, open-faced bright orange flowers that blanket the plant in summer. A standout variety, helianthemum henfield brilliant, is especially prized for its vivid color and reliable performance.

Winner of the RHS’s prestigious Award of Garden Merit, this eye-catching groundcover tops out at a modest 3–6” tall but can spread slowly to 2 feet wide. It thrives in full sun and is impressively durable and drought tolerant once established. The blooms are highly attractive to bees and butterflies, making it a lively addition to pollinator-friendly gardens.

Complementary greyish-green, petite leaves form a dense blanket from which the flowers emerge. Plant in well-drained soil in a sunny location; while it tolerates poor soils, it does not perform well in consistently wet conditions. This makes it an excellent choice for areas prone to soil erosion or neglected spots that need a tough yet beautiful solution. Deer resistant and easy to grow, it’s no wonder this plant is at the top of many gardeners’ groundcover lists. Be the first to surprise your gardening friends by saying, “You HAVE to see my new ground cover!”