Cistus ×revolii 'Merrist Wood Cream' syn: ×Halimiocistus 'Merrist Wood Cream'
Common name(s): rockrose
Description: evergreen shrub; found as a yellow-flowering branch sport of a white-flowering Cistus ×revolii at Merrist Wood College in the 1970s. Low, spreading growth with aromatic foliage and creamy yellow flowers with maroon blotches in spring. Requires near-perfect drainage to thrive in the long term. Parentage: C. lasianthus × C. salviifolius
Height: to 2 ft. Spread: to 4 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 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.