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CISTUS x purpureus
Commonly known as Rock rose
Rosy-crimson flowers with a maroon blotch at the base
Further Reading....
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Evergreen - narrowly-oblong, lance-shaped, dark-green leaves to 5cm (2in) long.
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Red - rosy crimson
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Striped, Veined or Multicoloured
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Height - 1m (39in)
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Spread - 1m (39in)
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Dwarf shrub - Typically only grows to a maximum of one or two feet in height but there will be some exceptions. - rounded shrub with sticky, upright, red-flushed shoots. Flowers are crinkled, in terminal cymes of 3.
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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 - - wildlife plant - insects, butterflies. Pinch back after flowering to maintain shape. Never prune hard.
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Pests & Diseases - none.
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Place of origin - southern Europe.
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Flower Shape - Cup-shaped - - to 7cm (3in) across
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Garden Location/Conditions - Coastal / windswept - - slightly back from the sea with more shelter
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Hardiness - Frost hardy (down to -5) -
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Leaf shape - Lanceolate - see photos above
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Obovate
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Pruning group - Pruning group 5
Suitable for: Evergreen shrubs that require minimal pruning.
Action: Trim or lightly cut back shoots that spoil symmetry. Deadhead regularly.
When: Annually after flowering.
RHS group 8 -
Pruning group 6 - Suitable for: Evergreen shrubs or climbers that need little to no pruning.
Action: Trim back shoots that spoil symmetry and to fit available space.
When: Annually after flowering if on previous year's growth, or in later Winter or Spring if flowering on current year's growth, or as requires.
RHS group 9 & 11 -
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
1m (39in)
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1m (39in) |
Buy Varieties of CISTUS x purpureus

CISTUS x purpureus 'Alan Fradd' >
Commonly known as: Rock rose.
White flowers with red marks at the base of each petal. Often has some flowers which revert in part to rosy-crimson
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