About the Author & Content Disclaimer

The advice in this post is based on 10+ years of hands-on experience testing seeds in our sandy Suffolk Garden.

While I love sharing my journey and the things I discover, please understand that I am not a certified professional in gardening or wildlife.  I ground my content by deep-diving into reliable books and expert resources, but please use my advice only as a guide for your specific garden.

I use and sell the same UK-sourced, wildlife-approved seeds in my own garden that you see throughout this site.  Shop the seeds here.

If you notice any inaccuracies or have additional insights to share, please feel free to contact me via this website's contact forms.

Sun-Kissed Beauty: Helianthemum 'Henfield Brilliant'

Gardening in a dry climate presents unique challenges, but what if there was a plant that thrived in these conditions while adding a burst of colour and attracting pollinators? Enter Helianthemum 'Henfield Brilliant,' a dazzling species that's resilient as it is beautiful.  I purchased this plant from Beth Chatto's website.  I haven't regretted it, it copes really well in my dry sandy soil while attracting pollinators and birds.

A Cheerful Beacon for Pollinators

This vigorous, evergreen shrub is a magnet for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.  Its abundant, single orange flowers, each up to 2cm wide, open one after another from late spring to early summer, creating a continuous feast for pollinators.  Not only does this benefit your local ecosystem, but it also adds a vibrant splash of colour to your dry garden.

Compact and Adaptable

Reaching a mature height of 30cm and spread of 50cm, Helianthemum 'Henfield Brilliant' is perfect for a variety of landscaping applications.  It thrives in rock gardens, as a border edging, or cascading over sunny banks.  Its low-growing nature makes it ideal for smaller spaces, and its tolerance for well-drained soil, whether loam, sand, or clay, allows it to flourish in even the harshest conditions

Minimal Fuss, Maximum Reward

This sun-loving shrub truly lives up to its name, 'Henfield Brilliant.' It requires minimal care once established.  Forget about regular watering - this drought-tolerant wonder thrives on neglect.  It's even happy in full sun and copes well with exposure, making it a low-maintenance gem for busy gardeners.

Planting and Care Tips:

• Choose a well-draining location with full sun or partial shade.
• Plant in fertile, neutral to alkaline soil.
• Water consistently until established, then water only when the soil is completely dry.
• Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they can promote excess foliage and reduce flowering.
• Prune lightly after flowering to encourage bushier growth and potentially a second bloom.

Two cuttings from my garden, it's always fun to make more free plants to spread around the garden.

How to propagate your favourite plants

Beyond 'Henfield Brilliant'.  Exploring the Helianthemum Family

Helianthemum 'Henfield Brilliant' is just one of many stunning cultivars in the Cistaceae family.  With vibrant blooms in hues of orange, pink, peach, red, white, and yellow, there's a helianthemum to suit every taste and garden style.  These low-maintenance charmers offer long-lasting colour, attract pollinators, and require minimal fuss, making them perfect for both seasoned and novice gardeners.

So, why not add a touch of sunshine and resilience to your garden with Helianthemum 'Henfield Brilliant' or its captivating cousins? Let these little sun worshippers bring joy to your dry spaces and create a haven for pollinators to thrive.