Overview
Cistus purpureus is a bushy shrub in the genus Cistus, part of the Cistaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Cistus purpureus 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 gardens.
About
Cistus purpureus, commonly known as orchid rockrose, is a perennial shrub in the Cistaceae family. As a member of the Cistus genus, it thrives in dry or rocky soils typical of the Mediterranean region. This cultivar prefers full sun and a sheltered position with well-drained soil, tolerating dry to medium moisture levels. It is hardy in the UK to H4 and is suitable for borders, rock gardens, and Mediterranean-style gardens. The plant is mildly fragrant and benefits from light pruning after flowering to maintain its shape and encourage bushiness.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Cistus × purpureus
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 purpureus size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- shrub
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- borders, rock gardens, Mediterranean gardens
- Fragrance
- mildly fragrant
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Cistus purpureus
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil in a sunny position; drought tolerant once established.
- Pruning
- Light pruning after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.
- Propagation
- semi-ripe cuttings in summer
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Cistus purpureus?
Prefers well-drained soil in a sunny position; drought tolerant once established.
Where is the best place to plant Cistus purpureus?
Cistus purpureus prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Cistus purpureus need?
Cistus purpureus 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 purpureus?
Light pruning after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.
Is Cistus purpureus hardy in the UK?
Cistus purpureus 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 purpureus?
Semi-ripe cuttings in summer.
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