Overview
Cistus lenis 'Grayswood Pink' is a bushy shrub in the genus Cistus, part of the Cistaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Cistus lenis 'Grayswood Pink' grows best in full sun, and tolerates well-drained soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include borders, rock gardens and mediterranean-style gardens.
About
Cistus lenis 'Grayswood Pink' is a cultivar of the Cistus genus, a group of perennial shrubs in the rockrose family Cistaceae. These plants are native to dry or rocky soils of the Mediterranean region. This cultivar thrives in full sun and sheltered positions, preferring well-drained soil with dry to medium moisture levels. It is hardy in the UK to H4 and is suitable for borders, rock gardens, and Mediterranean-style gardens. 'Grayswood Pink' is mildly fragrant and benefits from light pruning after flowering to maintain its shape.
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
- well-drained
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- dry to medium
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Cistus lenis 'Grayswood Pink' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- shrub
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- borders, rock gardens, Mediterranean-style gardens
- Fragrance
- mildly fragrant
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Cistus lenis 'Grayswood Pink'
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; drought tolerant once established
- Pruning
- Light pruning after flowering to maintain shape
- Propagation
- semi-ripe cuttings in summer
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Cistus lenis 'Grayswood Pink'?
Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; drought tolerant once established.
Where is the best place to plant Cistus lenis 'Grayswood Pink'?
Cistus lenis 'Grayswood Pink' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Cistus lenis 'Grayswood Pink' need?
Cistus lenis 'Grayswood Pink' grows best in well-drained soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays dry to medium.
How do I prune Cistus lenis 'Grayswood Pink'?
Light pruning after flowering to maintain shape.
Is Cistus lenis 'Grayswood Pink' hardy in the UK?
Cistus lenis 'Grayswood Pink' 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 lenis 'Grayswood Pink'?
Semi-ripe cuttings in summer.