Overview
Cistus purpureus 'Alan Fradd' is a bushy shrub in the genus Cistus, part of the Cistaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Cistus purpureus 'Alan Fradd' 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. It is native to hybrid cultivar.
About
Cistus purpureus 'Alan Fradd' is a cultivar of the orchid rockrose, a perennial shrub in the Cistaceae family. Like other Cistus species, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, preferring dry to medium moisture conditions. This hybrid cultivar is hardy to UK zone H4 and benefits from a sheltered position. It produces a mild, sweet fragrance and is suitable for borders, rock gardens, and Mediterranean-style gardens. Light pruning after flowering helps maintain its shape and encourages 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 'Alan Fradd' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- shrub
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- borders, rock gardens, Mediterranean gardens
- Native to
- hybrid cultivar
- Fragrance
- mild, sweet
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Cistus purpureus 'Alan Fradd'
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; 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 'Alan Fradd'?
Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; drought tolerant once established.
Where is the best place to plant Cistus purpureus 'Alan Fradd'?
Cistus purpureus 'Alan Fradd' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Cistus purpureus 'Alan Fradd' need?
Cistus purpureus 'Alan Fradd' 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 'Alan Fradd'?
Light pruning after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.
Is Cistus purpureus 'Alan Fradd' hardy in the UK?
Cistus purpureus 'Alan Fradd' 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 'Alan Fradd'?
Semi-ripe cuttings in summer.
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