Cistus 'Ann Baker'


Common name(s): rockrose


Description: evergreen shrub; raised from open-pollinated seed by Eric Sammons in 1960 and named for an old friend. Vigorous, arching growth with dark green foliage and white flowers (6.5 cm.) in summer. Notably one of the latest-blooming cistus in cultivation. Parentage: C. 'Decumbens' × ? (likely C. laurifolius).


Height: to 3 ft. Spread: to 4 ft.


Position: full sun and lean, well-draining soil


Uses: ornamental, weed-suppressing groundcover


Winter Hardiness: to 5 F and below


Drought: adapted to 4.5 months of summer drought

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.