Photo: zebedeugalinhaCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Rock Rose Plant Care
Tuberaria lignosa (Sweet) Samp.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Tuberaria lignosa is characterized by its small, bright yellow flowers with five petals and elongated green leaves. Originating from the Mediterranean region, this plant is sought after by collectors for its ability to thrive in poor, rocky soils and its ability to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Rock Rose?
Water Rock Rose every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Rock Rose Native To?
What Is the Rock Rose?
Rock Rose (Tuberaria lignosa) belongs to the Cistaceae family within the Tuberaria genus. Rock Rose is native to the western Mediterranean region.
Rock Rose displays a low spreading subshrub growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Rock Rose produces showy yellow flowers with five petals.
Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Rock Rose?
Tuberaria lignosa requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Rock Rose Need?
Rock Rose thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Rock Rose Prefer?
Tuberaria lignosa grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. Rock Rose prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Rock Rose?
Well-draining sandy soil mix with low fertility, such as sandy loam with gravel or perlite. Good drainage is essential for Rock Rose to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Rock Rose?
Feed Rock Rose every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Rock Rose?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Rock Rose?
Rock Rose can be propagated through seeds, softwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to spotted rockrose plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Rock Rose Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list 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 Rock Rose?
Rock Rose is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. 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 Rock Rose Need?
Rock Rose grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8a – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8a. Rock Rose is native to the western Mediterranean region.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 8a – 10b
Keep exploring plants
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 Tuberaria genus — compare its care with other Tuberaria species on PlantoScan.
Tuberaria is part of the Cistaceae plant family — browse all Cistaceae genera and species.
Rock Rose thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Tuberaria lignosa (Sweet) Samp., family Cistaceae (first published in Bol. Soc. Brot. , sér. 2, 1: 128 (1922)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list 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.
- Photo: zebedeugalinha, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 8a – 10b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- 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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