Cistus ladanifer L.
common gum cistus
An evergreen shrub of loose, open habit with very sticky, narrow, aromatic leaves, dark green above, grey beneath. Flowers to 10cm in width, white with a deep red blotch at the base of each petal
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Red White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Cistaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- 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
- SW Europe N Africa
How to grow
Cultivation
Will grow well in poor soils but may become chlorotic with age on chalky soils. Needs a sheltered position in full sun
Propagation
Propagate by seed or softwood cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Coastal
- Gravel garden
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Banks and slopes
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Pruning group 8 or pruning group 9. Does not respond to hard pruning
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.