Cistus ×aguilari
Common name(s): rockrose
Description: evergreen shrub; a naturally occurring hybrid found in Spain and Morocco (though clones in cultivation are all from Spain). Vigorous, upright growth and large (8.5 cm.) white flowers from spring into summer. Very floriferous. Parentage: C. ladanifer × C. populifolius.
Height: to 6 ft. Spread: to 4 ft.
Position: full sun and lean, well-draining soil. Will tolerate nearby root competition from larger trees such as pines and firs
Uses: ornamental
Winter Hardiness: to 10 F and below
Drought: adapted to 4 months of summer drought
Distribution: Morocco, Spain, Portugal
Care: tip-pruning after flowering (especially in the first couple of years) will result in a more attractive, compact plant. Cistus generally won't tolerate or regenerate from hard pruning of older, woody growth.
Notes: Cistus ×aguilari was introduced into horticulture in the early 1900s by Oscar Warburg who collected material from Spain. It is likely that material offered in cultivation today are clones of the same specimen.