Overview
Cistus salviifolius is a bushy shrubs in the genus Cistus, part of the Cistaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Cistus salviifolius grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, coastal, cottage and informal garden, gravel garden, patio and container plants, rock garden, mediterranean climate plants and flower borders and beds. It is native to Portugal Continental.
About
Cistus salviifolius, commonly known as sage-leaved rock rose, is a bushy evergreen shrub belonging to the Cistaceae family. It typically grows to a height of 0.5 to 1 metre with a spread of 0.1 to 0.5 metres, reaching full size within 2 to 5 years. Native to continental Portugal, this shrub thrives in full sun on south- or west-facing, sheltered aspects. It prefers well-drained soils such as chalk, loam, or sand, and can tolerate a range of soil pH levels from acid to alkaline. It provides seasonal interest throughout the year.
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
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Cistus salviifolius size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Flower borders and beds
- Native to
- Portugal Continental
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Cistus salviifolius
- Propagation
- Softwood cuttings, Semi-ripe cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Cistus salviifolius?
Cistus salviifolius prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Cistus salviifolius need?
Cistus salviifolius is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How big does Cistus salviifolius grow?
Cistus salviifolius reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Cistus salviifolius hardy in the UK?
Cistus salviifolius 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 salviifolius?
Softwood cuttings, Semi-ripe cuttings.