We proudly research, grow, and write about our plants by hand. Descriptions are based on our experience as well as information gathered from reputable sources: books, periodicals, and select websites. Should you have questions beyond what is listed please email or call.
Helianthemum nummularium f. mutabile | rock rose
- Regular price
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$8.99 - Regular price
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- Sale price
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$8.99
Grown from seed in living soil without the use of pesticides, chemicals, or carbon fuels.
ships spring 2026
Rock rose (Helianthemum nummularium) is a heavily-blooming evergreen perennial for the rock garden. Grey-green lance-like foliage is absolutely smothered by blooms in late spring. F. mutabile is a fine form with a mix of white, pink, red, and yellow blooms. Shear after flowering to promote continuous bloom.
Very easy to grow in full sun on dry, well-drained, preferably limey soil. This large, sprawling sun rose quickly creates a mass of twigs and should be kept away from more delicate plants that could be easily swamped.
Evergreen in warmer climates. Cold weather gardeners take note: this plant is not always reliably winter hardy in zone 5. You may want to provide a few evergreen boughs for protection through winter.
Zone: (5)6 to 7
Family: Cistaceae
Type: Herbaceous Perennial
Height: 6 to 12 in.
Spread: 24 to 36 in.
Exposure: full sun
Conditions: dry, rocky, sandy, well-drained
Bloom Time: May to July
Native Range: Europe and Western Asia
Common Names: rock rose, sun rose, holly rose
syn. Helianthemum vulgare
J13d
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Special Characteristics
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Ordering information
Preorders
You may place your order anytime to reserve plants for fall 2026 shipping. If you place multiple orders, we will combine plants into one box (or as many as needed) and any extra shipping charges will be refunded.
We will resume shipping as soon as temperatures cool in our location and yours. This can range from the beginning of September for northern locations to the end of October for hot locations (Texas).
We will check in with you a week before shipping to make sure you receive your plants at a time that is convenient for you.
Shipping
Live plants ship in spring and fall only. Plants may ship dormant, depending on variety and season. Shipping costs are most reasonable when bundling like size plants.
- 4-inch: 1-6 plants ship for $15.00 / 7-13 plants ship for $18.00 / 14-30 plants ship for $40.00
- 1-gal: 1-2 plants ship for $18.00 / 3-4 plants ship for $25.00 / 5-6 plants ship for $40.00
- trees & shrubs: $27.00-$40.00 each, height dependent
- seeds: $6.75 or free with orders over $15.00
We regret that we cannot ship internationally or to the following states: AK, AZ, CA, CO, FL, HI, ID, MT, NV, OR, UT, or WA.
Nursery pick up
We will email you to schedule a day and time to collect your plants when they are ready in spring. Generally, plants can be collected from the nursery Monday through Sunday from 10am-4pm in Spring, Summer, and Fall.
Plant Sizes
We most commonly use the following pot sizes for perennials:
- 4-inch pot: 3.5" H x 3.5" W x 3.5" D
- 2-quart pot: 6" H x 5.25" W x 5.25" D
- 1-gallon pot: 6.87" H x 8" Dia (this is a true one gallon pot, not the smaller 'trade' one gallon pot used by many nurseries)
Check out our illustrated pot size guide here.
Representative trees & shrubs are photographed in their pots and posted on each plant page.
Sustainability
Sustainability is at the heart of what we do at The Old Dairy. We grow all of our plants outdoors without the use of chemicals, fertilizers, carbon fuels, or peat.
Many of our perennials are grown in the ground and dug upon order (this is especially true for larger sizes). This practice allows us to grow stronger, healthier plants using native soil, and ultimately reduces our impact on the environment.
Our open-pollinated seeds are collected from plants in our mother beds, which have never been treated with chemicals or sprays of any kind.



