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Cistus × purpureus
  • RHS AGM

purple-flowered rock rose

A small, bushy evergreen shrub with narrow, dull green leaves. Flowers to 8cm in width, petals purplish-pink with large deep red blotch at the base

Synonyms
Cistus × purpureus 'Betty Taudevin'
Cistus crispus misapplied
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Red Pink Purple Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Cistaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Cistus are evergreen shrubs with simple, opposite leaves and 5-petalled, bowl-shaped, white, pink or purplish flowers, each lasting a single day, over a long period in summer

Name status

Correct

Plant range
S Europe

How to grow

Cultivation

Will grow well in poor soils, but requires full sun and shelter

Propagation

Propagate by seed or softwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Low Maintenance
  • Banks and slopes
  • Ground cover
Pruning

Pruning group 8 or pruning group 9

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus

Get involved

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