Two separate plants both called 'sun rose' and 'rock rose'
Both are Mediterranean plants with a preference for similar growing conditions: a very well-drained soil, and full sun.
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Q. Are “sun rose” and “rock rose” the same plant?
A. Two separate plants are each known by both these common names. The Royal Horticultural Society Index of Garden Plants gives the common names rock rose and sun rose to both Helianthemum and Cistus.
The name Helianthemum is from the Greek helios, the sun, and anthemon, a flower. Hence the name sun rose. The plants are evergreen creepers that form low, spreading mats. Small, rose-like flowers appear in early summer. The plants are well suited for growing in rock gardens.
Helianthemum plants sold in garden centres are usually hybrids. My best plants, still in the garden, are grown from Helianthemum nummularium seeds I found in my father’s office soon after his death. The small packet held a colour mixture of the species. My plants yield yellow and orange flowers.
Cistus plants are small to mid-sized evergreen shrubs that bear single, open-faced flowers, often with crinkled petals, in early summer. One of my purchased plants, labelelled “Sunset,” is also sold as “Brilliancy.” I’ve also grown very good Cistus plants from seed.
Both Cistus and Helianthemum are Mediterranean plants like lavender and rosemary, with a preference for similar growing conditions: a very well-drained soil, and full sun. Both are drought tolerant once established.
Q. I dry several different herbs in the summer and have never been sure, once the leaves are dry and crisp, whether they are better left whole or crushed before storing them.
A. Leaves left whole retain more fragrance and flavour, but in some situations, convenient storage for large quantities of whole leaves is not always available. I happen to have a few outsized glass jars, with lids, for the dried mint I enjoy using in winter, for tea and also for crushing and “strewing” on floors before vacuuming. I keep the jars on shelves in a cool cupboard.
Where space is an issue, crush the dried leaves and store in small glass jars with their lids on.
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