About
Cistus x obtusifolius ambig. is a low-growing evergreen shrub that reaches a height of up to 1 meter. It features a rounded form and bears ovate to oblong leaves, characterized by their blunt, rounded tips. In early to mid-summer, this plant produces white flowers that can grow up to 5 centimeters in diameter, each adorned with yellow markings at the base of the petals and yellow stamens.
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
- Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in poor to moderately fertile, well drained soil, in a sheltered position in full sun. Plant out when danger of frosts has passed. Generally lime-tolerant, but may become chlorotic on very chalky soils
- Pruning
- Pruning group 8 or 9. Pinch back after flowering to maintain a bushy habit; does not respond well to hard pruning
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed sown as soon as ripe, or by softwood cuttings in summer
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to honey fungus