Cistus ×pauranthus 'Natacha'
Common name(s): rockrose
Description: evergreen shrub; collected by Clara and Olivier Filippi near Vai Beach, Crete. A compact selection that forms a perfectly round dome of relatively small foliage. Soft pinkish white flowers from spring into summer. Requires near-perfect drainage (ideally, rocky/sandy soil) to thrive. Parentage: C. parviflorus × C. salviifolius.
Height: to 30 in. 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 15 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.