CISTUS
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CISTUS
Commonly known as Rock rose
All Flower JUN-AUG
Genus of 19 species of evergreen shrubs from dry, stony soils in the Canary Islands, northern Africa, Turkey and southern Europe.
Grown for their saucer-shaped, 5-petalled white to dark-pink flowers. Often short-lived.
C. ladanifer (western Mediterranean) is the source of labdanum, a sticky brown resin used in history as incense. It was gathered by combing the fleeces of goats and sheep which grazed on the shrubs. In the present it is used in perfumery as a subsitute for ambergris (the sperm whale being endangered) and in the tobacco flavourings in electronic cigarette liquid.
Full Plant Details - Sun/Soil & other attributes
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Floweringlocal_floristJanlocal_floristFeblocal_floristMarlocal_floristAprlocal_floristMaylocal_floristJunlocal_floristJullocal_floristAuglocal_floristSeplocal_floristOctlocal_floristNovlocal_floristDec
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Good to know
Wildlife plant - insects, butterflies. -
Pests & Diseases
None. -
Place of origin
Southwestern Europe, northern Africa. -
EvergreenSticky, lance-shaped, wavy-margined, bright-green leaves to 10cm (4in) long.
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Height
1.2m (4ft) -
Spread
1.2m (4ft)
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Medium shrubTypically grow to around 4-6 feet in heightRounded shrub. Flowers, to 8cm (3in) across, have golden-yellow stamens.
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Well drained, dry, poor to moderately fertile soilGenerally lime tolerant, but can become chlorotic on chalky soils.
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Full sun
Sheltered site. -
Butterfly friendly
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Mature Size1.2m (4ft)
1.2m (4ft)
View Planting Tips and Care Advice
Cistus - Growing Guide
