Cistus 'Bicolor Pink'
Common name(s): rockrose
Description: evergreen shrub; a selection that originated at Western Hills Nursery in Occidental, CA. Originally thought to be a hybrid of C. parviflorus but more likely a progeny of C. 'Grayswood Pink' (which does have C. parviflorus as a parent). Low, spreading growth and dark pink flowers from spring into summer. Considered to be one of the hardier of the pink-flowered cistus. Rare in cultivation.
Height: to 2 ft. Spread: to 5 ft.
Position: full sun and lean, well-draining soil. Will tolerate nearby root competition from larger trees such as pines and firs
Uses: ornamental, weed-suppressing groundcover
Winter Hardiness: to 5 F and below
Drought: adapted to 4 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.
