Guerra's rock rose Plant Care

Helianthemum guerrae Sánchez-Gómez, J.S.Carrion & M.A.Carrión

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

With its silvery-grey foliage covered in tiny hairs, this plant is a standout in any garden. Hailing from the mountains of Spain, Helianthemum guerrae's unique color and texture make it a sought-after addition for plant collectors looking to add a touch of elegance to their collection.

Water

Every 7–10 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

50–80°F

Humidity

30–60%

At a glance

How do you care for Guerra's rock rose?

Plant Guerra's rock rose in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 12a) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Guerra's rock rose Native To?

Native range1 country

What Is the Guerra's rock rose?

Guerra's rock rose (Helianthemum guerrae) belongs to the Cistaceae family within the Helianthemum genus. Guerra's rock rose is native to Spain. Guerra's rock rose is also known as Helianthemum guerrae var. guerrae.

Guerra's rock rose displays a low spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Guerra's rock rose produces showy, saucer-shaped flowers in various colors.

Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Guerra's rock rose?

Water a young or newly planted Guerra's rock rose every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–10 days

Until established; then in dry spells

What Light Does the Guerra's rock rose Need?

Guerra's rock rose thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Guerra's rock rose Prefer?

Helianthemum guerrae tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Guerra's rock rose prefers humidity levels of 30–60%.

Temperature

50–80°F

Humidity

30–60%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Guerra's rock rose?

Well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Guerra's rock rose to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Guerra's rock rose?

Feed Guerra's rock rose every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

Fertilizing

Every 6 months

During the growing season

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Where Should You Plant a Guerra's rock rose?

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Guerra's rock rose is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

How Far Apart Should You Plant a Guerra's rock rose?

Guerra's rock rose can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

How Do You Prune a Guerra's rock rose?

Prune Guerra's rock rose while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

How Do You Care for a Guerra's rock rose in Winter?

Guerra's rock rose is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

How Do You Propagate a Guerra's rock rose?

Guerra's rock rose can be propagated through seeds, softwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to apennine rockrose plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Guerra's rock rose Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Guerra's rock rose, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.

This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

What Pests and Diseases Affect the Guerra's rock rose?

Guerra's rock rose is susceptible to aphids, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Guerra's rock rose Need?

Guerra's rock rose grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Guerra's rock rose is native to Spain. In cooler regions, grow Guerra's rock rose as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 12a

Keep exploring plants

Guerra's rock rose is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.

It belongs to the Helianthemum genus — compare its care with other Helianthemum species on PlantoScan.

Helianthemum is part of the Cistaceae plant family — browse all Cistaceae genera and species.

Guerra's rock rose thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Helianthemum Species

Other Helianthemum species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Helianthemum guerrae Sánchez-Gómez, J.S.Carrion & M.A.Carrión, family Cistaceae (first published in Anales Jard. Bot. Madrid 58: 355 (2000 publ. 2001)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Guerra's rock rose, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
  • Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.

Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.

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