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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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EvergreenNarrowly-oblong, lance-shaped, dark-green leaves to 5cm (2in) long.
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RedRosy crimson
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Striped, Veined or Multicoloured
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Height1m (39in)
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Spread1m (39in)
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Dwarf shrubTypically 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 winterHardy 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 sunSheltered site.
CISTUS x purpureus
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Additional FeaturesGood to knowWildlife plant - insects, butterflies. Pinch back after flowering to maintain shape. Never prune hard.Pests & DiseasesNone.Place of originSouthern Europe.
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Flower ShapeCup-shapedTo 7cm (3in) across
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Garden Location/ConditionsCoastal / windsweptSuitable for open site, slightly back from the seaSuitable for small gardens
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HardinessFrost hardy (down to -5)
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Leaf shapeLanceolate
(see photos above) Obovate(see photos above) -
Seasonal InterestSummer
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Soil ConditionsWell drained, dry, poor to moderately fertile soilGenerally lime tolerant, but can become chlorotic on chalky soils.
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WildlifeButterfly friendlyRabbit 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'
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