Cistus creticus subsp. creticus 'Lasithi'
Common name(s): rockrose
Description: evergreen shrub; collected from the Lasithi Plateau of Crete by Robert G. Page and selected for its "compact form with strong purple-pink flowers (5 cm.)." Possibly hardier than other common forms of C. creticus. Narrow, dark green foliage and long-blooming from late spring through summer and sporadically into fall.
Height: to 3 ft. Spread: to 4 ft.
Position: full sun and lean, well-draining soil
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.
