Overview
Cistus x cyprius var. ellipticus f. bicolor is a bushy shrubs in the genus Cistus, part of the Cistaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Cistus x cyprius var. ellipticus f. bicolor grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include mediterranean climate plants, city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, low maintenance, banks and slopes and ground cover.
About
Cistus x cyprius var. ellipticus f. bicolor is a bushy evergreen shrub cultivar within the Cistus genus, known for its simple, opposite leaves and bowl-shaped flowers. This cultivar thrives in full sun and sheltered positions, preferring fertile, well-drained soils including chalk, clay, loam, and sand with a range of pH levels. It is hardy to UK zone H4 and is suitable for Mediterranean-style gardens, city courtyards, and informal settings. Its flowers bloom in spring and summer, each lasting a day but appearing over an extended period, adding seasonal interest to low-maintenance landscapes.
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, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Cistus x cyprius var. ellipticus f. bicolor size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Mediterranean climate plants, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Low Maintenance, Banks and slopes, Ground cover
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Cistus x cyprius var. ellipticus f. bicolor
- Propagation
- Seed, Softwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Cistus x cyprius var. ellipticus f. bicolor?
Cistus x cyprius var. ellipticus f. bicolor prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Cistus x cyprius var. ellipticus f. bicolor need?
Cistus x cyprius var. ellipticus f. bicolor is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Cistus x cyprius var. ellipticus f. bicolor hardy in the UK?
Cistus x cyprius var. ellipticus f. bicolor 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 x cyprius var. ellipticus f. bicolor?
Seed, Softwood cuttings.