Cistus ×pauranthus
Common name(s): rockrose
Description: evergreen shrub; a naturally occurring hybrid found only in Cyprus, Crete, and the East Aegean Islands. Compact, rounded growth and pale pink flowers from spring into summer. Floriferous but requires near-perfect drainage to guarantee longevity. Parentage: C. parviflorus × C. salviifolius
Height: to 3 ft. Spread: to 3 ft.
Position: full sun and gritty/lean, perfectly-draining soil. Will tolerate nearby root competition from larger trees such as pines and firs
Uses: ornamental
Winter Hardiness: to 10 F and below
Drought: adapted to 5 months of summer drought
Distribution: E. Aegean Islands, Crete, Cyprus
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: the form of C. ×pauranthus we grow is very rare in cultivation and was originally collected by Robert G. Page in Akamas, Cyprus.