Golden Rockrose
(Halimium ocymoides)
Golden Rockrose (Halimium ocymoides)
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© Carminda Santos
CC BY 4.0
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© Carminda Santos
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CC BY 4.0
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Photo by: © Carminda Santos | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Uploader: cminda | Publisher: iNaturalist |












Estimated Native Range
Summary
Halimium ocymoides, commonly known as Golden Rockrose, is an evergreen shrub native to the scrub and rocky areas of the Western Mediterranean, particularly in Spain and Portugal. It typically grows to 60 cm (24 in) tall and 100 cm (3 ft) wide. The plant has a compact, bushy habit with woolly grey-green leaves that provide a striking contrast to its bright yellow flowers, which bloom profusely in spring. The flowers are particularly showy due to the dark brown blotch at the base of each petal, which adds to the plant’s ornamental value.
Golden Rockrose is valued for its drought tolerance and vibrant springtime display, making it an excellent choice for rock gardens, coastal planting, and Mediterranean-themed landscapes. It thrives in sandy, well-drained soils and requires full sun to flower abundantly. While it is low maintenance and requires little water once established, it may benefit from occasional pruning to maintain its shape and promote denser growth. It is not known for serious pest or disease problems, but it can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils. Gardeners should be aware that Halimium ocymoides can be damaged by severe frosts and may need protection in colder climates.CC BY-SA 4.0
Golden Rockrose is valued for its drought tolerance and vibrant springtime display, making it an excellent choice for rock gardens, coastal planting, and Mediterranean-themed landscapes. It thrives in sandy, well-drained soils and requires full sun to flower abundantly. While it is low maintenance and requires little water once established, it may benefit from occasional pruning to maintain its shape and promote denser growth. It is not known for serious pest or disease problems, but it can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils. Gardeners should be aware that Halimium ocymoides can be damaged by severe frosts and may need protection in colder climates.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 1-2 feet
- Width: 2-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Yellow
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Bank Stabilization, Drought Tolerant, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Scrub and rocky areas of the Western Mediterranean
Other Names
Common Names: Basil-Leaved Rock Rose, False Sun Rose, Black Eyed Susan Shrub
Scientific Names: , Halimium ocymoides, Helianthemum ocymoides, Helianthemum algarvense, Cistus algarvensis, Cistus sampsucifolius, Halimium heterophyllum, Helianthemum origanifolium, Cistus ocymoides, Halimium ×candidum
GBIF Accepted Name: Halimium ocymoides (Lam.) Willk.