About

Cistus crispus L. is a small, evergreen shrub featuring textured, fuzzy, grey-green foliage. During the summer months, it produces clusters of red-pink flowers, each with five petals and a prominent yellow center.

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
H2

Plant details

Plant type
Shrubs
Habit
Bushy, Spreading branched
Foliage
Evergreen
Height
0.1-0.5 metres
Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height
5-10 years
Suggested uses
Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants
Native to
S Europe

Care notes

Cultivation
Grow in a container in a sheltered position in full sun and protect over winter
Pruning
Pruning group 10
Propagation
Propagate by seed or softwood cuttings
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to honey fungus