About
Cistus creticus subsp. eriocephalus is a semi-hardy evergreen shrub that thrives best in warm climates. It features small, fuzzy leaves that are grey-green in color. During the summer months, this plant produces a series of five-petaled flowers in lilac-pink, each centered with a golden hue. Research is ongoing into its possible medicinal uses.
About the genus
Cistus consists of evergreen shrubs featuring simple, opposite leaves. They produce bowl-shaped flowers with five petals that can be white, pink, or purplish. Each flower lasts for just one day, blooming over an extended summer period.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy, Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants
- Native to
- Medit. to Caucasus
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in a well-drained spot including on poor chalky soils. Needs a sheltered position in full sun
- Pruning
- Pruning group 10
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed or softwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to honey fungus