Overview
Cistus obtusifolius is a bushy shrub in the genus Cistus, part of the Cistaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Cistus obtusifolius grows best in full sun, and tolerates well-drained and sandy or rocky soil soils and neutral to alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include rock gardens, dry borders and mediterranean-style gardens. It is native to Portugal.
About
Cistus obtusifolius, commonly known as Pale Rockrose, is a perennial shrub in the rockrose family Cistaceae. Native to Portugal, it thrives in full sun and well-drained, sandy or rocky soils with a neutral to alkaline pH. This drought-tolerant plant is suited to exposed, dry sites and is hardy to UK zone H4. It is mildly fragrant and benefits from light pruning after flowering to maintain its shape and encourage bushiness. Ideal for rock gardens, dry borders, and Mediterranean-style gardens, it can be propagated by seed or semi-ripe cuttings.
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, sandy or rocky soil
- Soil pH
- neutral to alkaline
- Soil moisture
- dry to medium
- Aspect
- south-facing
- Exposure
- exposed, dry sites
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Cistus obtusifolius size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- shrub
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- rock gardens, dry borders, Mediterranean-style gardens
- Native to
- Portugal
- Fragrance
- mildly fragrant
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Cistus obtusifolius
- Cultivation
- Requires well-drained soil and full sun; drought tolerant once established.
- Pruning
- Light pruning after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.
- Propagation
- seed, semi-ripe cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Cistus obtusifolius?
Requires well-drained soil and full sun; drought tolerant once established.
Where is the best place to plant Cistus obtusifolius?
Cistus obtusifolius prefers full sun. It suits exposed and dry sites positions.
What soil does Cistus obtusifolius need?
Cistus obtusifolius grows best in well-drained and sandy or rocky soil soil. It prefers neutral to alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays dry to medium.
How do I prune Cistus obtusifolius?
Light pruning after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.
Is Cistus obtusifolius hardy in the UK?
Cistus obtusifolius 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 obtusifolius?
Seed, semi-ripe cuttings.