Red-leaved rock rose (Helianthemum sanguineum)
Care, watering, light and tips for Red-leaved rock rose on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Cistaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
About Red-leaved rock rose
Helianthemum sanguineum, commonly known as Blood Sun Rose, is a small perennial shrub from the Cistaceae family, native to Mediterranean regions. It stands out for its delicate, intense red or orange flowers that appear in spring and summer, forming a vibrant carpet. It is ideal for rockeries, dry gardens, and sunny borders, adding a touch of color and resilience.
Native range
Mediterranean region of Europe and North Africa
Care tips
It requires full sun for abundant flowering and optimal development. Watering should be moderate, allowing the substrate to dry out between waterings, as it tolerates drought well and is sensitive to overwatering. It prefers well-drained, sandy, or stony soils, and a common mistake is waterlogging, which can rot its roots.
How to save a dying Red-leaved rock rose
- Warning signs
- Yellow or brown, wilted, dry and brittle leaves, no flowering.
- First aid
- Move to partial shade, check drainage, water deeply if soil is dry. Avoid waterlogging.
- What kills it
- Overwatering (especially in winter) and poor drainage. Does not tolerate constant moisture.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if roots are not rotted and main stem is not completely dry. Act quickly.