Cistus ×porphyreus 'Purple Patch'


Common name(s): rockrose


Description: evergreen shrub; a 2004 cross made by Robert Page. Rounded growth and pink-purple flowers (7 cm.) with maroon blotches from spring into summer. A smaller plant than C. ×purpureus with larger, neater flower blotches but likely not as cold hardy. Parentage: C. parviflorus × C. ladanifer.


Height: to 3 ft. Spread: to 3 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.