Cistus 'Gordon Cooper'
Common name(s): rockrose
Description: evergreen shrub; raised by Robert G. Page around 1993 and named for a fellow plantsman. Vigorous and low-growing, our favorite for use as a quick-to-spread groundcover. Blotched white flowers (5 cm.) from spring into summer. Parentage: C. 'Ruby Cluster' × C. salviifolius.
Height: to 2 ft. Spread: to 6 ft.
Position: full sun and lean, well-draining soil. Will tolerate nearby root competition from larger trees such as pines and firs
Uses: ornamental, weed-suppressing groundcover
Winter Hardiness: to 5 F and below
Drought: adapted to 4 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.
