Helianthemum nummularium

Germination

Sow indoors at any time. Sow into a cold frame in autumn. Indoors, surface sow onto moist well-drained seed compost. Just cover seed with a sprinkling of soil. Light is needed for germination. Place in a propagator or cover seed with a sheet of glass or plastic. Ideal temp. 18°C for 6-8 weeks, if germination does not occur cold stratify. Move to 5°C for 6-8 weeks then return to warmth for germination. Germination takes 15-120 days and is erratic. For cold frame sowing, allow autumn warmth followed by natural winter cold to offer ideal conditions for germination to occur in spring as the weather warms. Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle to individual pots and grow on. Acclimatise and plant out after danger of frost has passed.

Growing

Prefers a moderately fertile, well-drained soil which is alkaline-neutral in full sun.

Cultivation

These shrubs flower on new wood therefore annual pruning will improve flowering and prevent them from becoming woody. Prune immediately after flowering. Remove shoots that have flowered to within 2cm of previous years growth. Pruning group 10. Propagate via softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer.