Cistus lasianthus 'Formosum'
Common name(s): rockrose
Description: evergreen shrub; a selection of C. lasianthus with large, purple-brown blotches at the base of each petal. Rounded growth and profuse yellow flowers (4 cm.) with basal blotches in spring. Considerably longer-lived in very lean soils with little to no supplemental irrigation.
Height: to 3 ft. Spread: to 4 ft.
Position: full sun and lean, well-draining soil
Uses: ornamental
Winter Hardiness: to 10 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.