Cistus x purpureus

Cistus x purpureus

Cistus x hybridus

Cistus “Peggy Sammons”

Rockrose
Cistus
Type: Evergreen Shrub
Exposure: Full Sun
Water: Drought Tolerant

These Mediterranean natives form loose mounds of soft green to silver or grey foliage. Some are fuzzy, others are covered with a sticky fragrant resin whose smell is reminiscent of cottonwoods in spring. When in bloom in late spring and summer, flowers can seem to engulf the entire shrub. They are often planted in wild areas and on dry banks for erosion control.

Pictured are cistus x purpureus, which will get 4ft (1.2m) high and wide, with 3in (7.5cm) reddish purple flowers; cistus x hybridus, to 3-4ft (0.9-1.2m) wide by  4-6ft (1.2-1.8m) high with white flowers 1.5in (3.75cm) wide;  and cistus “Peggy Sammons,” that will reach 3-6ft (0.9-1.8m) high and wide, with 2.5in (6.25cm) pink flowers and grey/green foliage.

Cheers,

John