About
This very variable, small, bushy, evergreen shrub, to perhaps 1.5m tall, often with shaggily hairy stems and lightly aromatic green foliage. Flowers are variable in shade from deep purple-pink to rose pink, to 6cm across, with a yellow centre.
About the genus
Cistus are evergreen shrubs with simple, opposite leaves and 5-petalled, bowl-shaped, white, pink or purplish flowers, each lasting a single day, over a long period in summer
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Gravel garden, Rock garden, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants
Native toMediterranean
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow in poor to moderately fertile soil in sheltered site in full sun. Usually lime tolerant, but can become chlorotic on very alkaline soils
PruningPruning group 8 or pruning group 9. Generally does not respond well to hard renovation pruning
PropagationPropagate by seed; sow as soon as ripe and keep in cold frame or sow in spring. Take softwood cuttings in summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus