Cistus creticus subsp. creticus 'Tania Compton'
Common name(s): rockrose
Description: evergreen shrub; a white-flowered form of C. creticus collected near Meskla, Crete by Dr. James Compton in 1991. Narrow, dark green foliage with wavy margins and white flowers (5 cm.) from late spring into summer. Requires better drainage than most cistus to perform well in our climate.
Height: to 3 ft. Spread: to 4 ft.
Position: full sun and lean, well-draining soil
Uses: ornamental
Winter Hardiness: to 10 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.