Plants by mail order since 1984, over 4100 plants online today!
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.
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.
Further Reading....
-
Evergreen
-
Dwarf shrub - Typically only grows to a maximum of one or two feet in height but there will be some exceptions.
-
Medium shrub - Typically grow to around 4-6 feet in height - grown for their saucer-shaped, 5-petalled white to dark-pink flowers. Often short-lived.
-
Full sun - sheltered site. -
Additional Features - Good to know - - each bloom lasts only one day. Good for coastal gardens. -
Pests & Diseases - none. -
Place of origin - Canary Islands, northern Africa, Turkey, southern Europe. -
Garden Location/Conditions - Coastal / windswept - - slightly back from the sea with more shelter
-
Soil Conditions - Alkaline / Chalk loving -
-
Well drained, dry, poor to moderately fertile soil - generally lime tolerant, but can become chlorotic on chalky soils.
-
Wildlife - Butterfly friendly -
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Cistus - Growing Guide
Buy Varieties of CISTUS
CISTUS creticus >
Commonly known as: Rock Rose.
Purple to rose flowers with a yellow centre and hairy stems
CISTUS ladanifer >
Commonly known as: Common gum cistus, Labdanum.
White flowers with a dark red basal stain
CISTUS x purpureus >
Commonly known as: Rock rose.
Rosy-crimson flowers with a maroon blotch at the base
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
