Cistus ×dubius (costei group)


Common name(s): rockrose


Description: evergreen shrub; upright, rounded growth with compact, dark green-gray foliage and white flowers (4 cm.) from spring into summer. Very hardy and floriferous. Parentage: C. laurifolius × C. salviifolius.


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 4.5 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.

Notes: the costei group of C. ×dubius is noted for being more floriferous, but with smaller flowers (4 cm.) than counterparts in the pechii group (6 cm. flowers, less floriferous)