Overview
Cistus creticus is a bushy shrubs in the genus Cistus, part of the Cistaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 1-1.5 metres tall and 1-1.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Cistus creticus grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include mediterranean climate plants, rock garden, banks and slopes and ground cover. It is native to Albania, Bulgaria, Corse, Cyprus, East Aegean Is., Greece, Italy, Kriti, Lebanon-Syria, Morocco, NW. Balkan Pen. and Palestine.
About
Cistus creticus (pink rock-rose, hoary rock-rose) is a species of shrubby plant in the family Cistaceae. Though it usually has pink flowers, of 4.5–5 cm (1.8–2.0 in) diameter, this species is very variable. It is widely known as a decorative plant. It is frequently called "Cistus incanus". (The true Cistus × incanus is the hybrid C. albidus × C. crispus.) It is native to the central and eastern Mediterranean Basin, including Morocco, Corsica and Sardinia, Italy and southeastern Europe, Turkey, and the Levant. It grows to around 1-1.5 metres tall and 1-1.5 metres wide, carrying evergreen foliage. Grow it in full sun and most soil types. It tolerates soil of any pH, well-drained conditions and south-facing and west-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Cistus creticus
About the genus
Cistus is a genus of flowering plants in the rockrose family Cistaceae, containing about 34 species and a similar number of natural hybrids. They are perennial shrubs found on dry or rocky soils throughout the Mediterranean region, from Morocco, Spain, Italy, Greece, through to the Middle East, and also on the Canary Islands.
Wikipedia contributors, "Cistus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Cistus
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Cistus
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Cistus creticus size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 1-1.5 metres
- Spread
- 1-1.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Mediterranean climate plants, Rock garden, Banks and slopes, Ground cover
- Native to
- Albania, Bulgaria, Corse, Cyprus, East Aegean Is., Greece, Italy, Kriti, Lebanon-Syria, Morocco, NW. Balkan Pen., Palestine
- Fragrance
- Mildly fragrant flowers
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Cistus creticus
- Cultivation
- Grow in full sun with well-drained soil; tolerates a range of soil types and pH; suitable for Mediterranean climates; requires sheltered exposure
- Pruning
- Light pruning after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness
- Propagation
- Seed, Softwood cuttings, Semi-ripe cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Cistus creticus?
Grow in full sun with well-drained soil; tolerates a range of soil types and pH; suitable for Mediterranean climates; requires sheltered exposure.
Where is the best place to plant Cistus creticus?
Cistus creticus prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Cistus creticus need?
Cistus creticus is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How do I prune Cistus creticus?
Light pruning after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.
How big does Cistus creticus grow?
Cistus creticus reaches a height of 1-1.5 metres and a spread of 1-1.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Cistus creticus hardy in the UK?
Cistus creticus has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Cistus creticus?
Seed, Softwood cuttings, Semi-ripe cuttings.
More in the Cistus genus
Browse all Cistus →Last updated