Cistus ×hybridus


Common name(s): rockrose


Description: evergreen shrub; rounded growth with attractive, triangular leaves and white flowers (4.5 cm) from spring into summer. Very hardy. Parentage: C. populifolius × C. salviifolius.


Height: to 3 ft. Spread: to 3 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


Distribution: France, Morocco, Spain

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: often listed under the synonym, Cistus ×corbariensis