Cistus ladanifer subsp. mauritianus 'Bennett's White'


Common name(s): rockrose


Description: evergreen shrub; a selection of C. ladanifer with very large (9 cm.), frilly white flowers from spring into summer. Rounded growth and attractive cinnamon-red stems add to its allure. 


Height: to 5 ft. Spread: to 5 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.

Notes: Often sold as C. ladanifer var. petiolatus which is now a synoynm of subsp. mauritianus