About
Cistus salviifolius 'May Snow' is a vigorous, evergreen shrub that can reach heights of up to 60 cm (2 ft) and spread as wide as 80 cm (32 in). Its foliage consists of dark green, oval to lance-shaped leaves that release a pleasant aroma when handled. In summer, the plant showcases an abundance of white, saucer-shaped flowers that feature a prominent cluster of bright yellow stamens, emerging from crimson buds. For optimal growth, this species thrives in full sunlight and requires very well-drained soil, especially during the winter months when moisture levels may increase.
About the genus
Cistus consists of evergreen shrubs featuring simple, opposite leaves. They produce bowl-shaped flowers with five petals that can be white, pink, or purplish. Each flower lasts for just one day, blooming over an extended summer period.
Growing conditions
- 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
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Patio and container plants
- Fragrance
- Foliage
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grows well in poor, but well drained soil, in a sheltered site and full sun. The foliage may become chlorotic with age when the shrubs are grown on chalky soil.
- Pruning
- Pruning group 8 or pruning group 9 if necessary; they do not respond well to hard pruning so old leggy plants are best replaced. Pinch back young plants after flowering to encourage a bushy habit
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed, softwood cuttings in spring and by semi-ripe cuttings from midsummer to early autumn
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to honey fungus