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