Cistus x purpureus - Rockrose

The Orchid Rock-rose (Cistus x purpureus: C. creticus x C. ladanifer) owes its name to the large (up to 7 cm) crimson red flowers. Additionally, the petals are decorated with a dark red to brown dot. The leaves are green with white hairy fluff that gives it an almost silvery look. It grows compact, the bloom is abundant and long lasting.

General information to Cistus:
Cistus are subshrubs with leaves that in the summer’s sun are fragrant with a spicy- dry aroma typical for mediterranean areas. There, Cistus are a characteristic for maquis (shrubland). They prefer stony and well draining substrate as well as a sunny, even hot situation. During spring months they continuously produce new buds of one-day flowers. Cistus should be watered continuously but with little dose. The roots must not dry out and on the other hand may not be wet for too long. Cistus are hardy down to app. -12 °C (temperature zone 8). In regions with mild winter Cistus can be planted in the garden. In winter, their crown should then be protected from the winter sun by a cover of fleece or spruce branches. A thick cover of fallen leaves should protect the roots.
Quality: richly blooming; wild-rose like flowers; leaves with spicy-dry aroma, small subshrub for pots or as ground cover; can be planted in the garden
Use: in pots from April to October outside on balcony, terrace and in the garden - during winter in the house; all year in an unheated greenhouse; planted in the garden (with winter protection)