Cistus ×cyprius var. ellipticus 'Elma'
Common name(s): rockrose
Description: evergreen shrub; a compact selection of C. ×cyprius bred by the English plantsman, Collingwood Ingram, sometime prior to 1960. Rounded growth and large white flowers (8 cm. ) from spring into summer. Foliage takes on attractive gray-green tones in winter. Very cold hardy. Parentage: C. ladanifer subsp. sulcatus × C. laurifolius.
Height: to 4 ft. Spread: to 4 ft.
Position: full sun and lean, well-draining soil
Uses: ornamental
Winter Hardiness: to 0 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.