Cistus 'Chelsea Bonnet'
Common name(s): rockrose
Description: evergreen shrub; thought to be a hybrid of C. libanotis and C. monspeliensis raised at the Chelsea Physic Garden from a batch of C. libanotis seeds sent by Bonn Botanic Garden. Rounded growth with dense, narrow foliage and copious amounts of (3.5 cm) white flowers from late spring into summer.
Height: to 3 ft. Spread: to 3 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 5 F and below
Drought: adapted to 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.