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CISTUS ladanifer
Commonly known as Common gum cistus, Labdanum
White flowers with a dark red basal stain
Further Reading....
- Details
- Mature Size
- Tips and Advice
- Goes Well With
- Planting Combinations
- Other Suggestions
- See Also...
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Evergreen - sticky, lance-shaped, aromatic, dark-green leaves to 10cm (4in) long.
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Red - with red stain at base
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White
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Height - 2m (6½ft)
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Spread - 1.5m (5ft)
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Medium shrub - Typically grow to around 4-6 feet in height - upright habit. Flowers, to 10cm (4in) across have yellow centres.
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Hardy - average winter - Hardy through most of the UK apart from inland valleys, at altitude and central/northerly locations. May suffer foliage damage and stem dieback in harsh winters in cold gardens. Plant can withstand temperatures down to -10°C (14°F)
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Full sun - sheltered site.
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Additional Features - Good to know - an oleo-resin obtained from the leaves is used as a flavouring. Also used in the perfume industry where it is used as an acceptable substitute for ambergris.
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Medicinal properties - Labdanum is an expectorant used for the treatment of catarrh and has antibiotic effects.
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Pests & Diseases - none.
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Place of origin - southwestern Europe to northern Africa.
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Hardiness - Frost hardy (down to -5) -
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Scented Plants - Scented foliage - leaves exude a sweet, balsamic smell most evident in early morning in summer.
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Seasonal Interest - Summer
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Soil Conditions - Well drained, dry, poor to moderately fertile soil - generally lime tolerant, but can become chlorotic on chalky soils.
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Wildlife - Butterfly friendly
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Rabbit Resistant
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Cistus - Growing Guide
2m (6½ft)
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1.5m (5ft) |
Useful extras...

Fertilisers & Feeds - Vitax
Q4 Pelleted Fertiliser
A useful fertiliser suitable for use on a wide variety of plants. Q4 provides all the nutrients and trace elements essential for vigorous growth, abundant flowering and ripening of fruit.
3 options from £6.00

Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
Rootgrow mycorrhizal fungi
Recommended by the RHS. Contains Rootgrow™ mycorrhizal fungi. Suitable for all trees and shrubs (except rhododendrons, azaleas, heathers, cranberries and blueberries)
2 options from £6.00

Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
All-purpose Seaweed Stimulant
All-purpose organic concentrated seaweed feed that is a ready to use, derived from sustainable harvested kelp, that can be used on all outdoor and indoor plants, except acid loving plants.
Perfect used in conjunction with Rootgrow™.
Only £7.50