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Shrubs

Cistus inflatus

A bushy evergreen shrub producing stems to 1m high and across, with oval to oblong foliage, dark green on the upper surface and paler below. The plant is covered with glandular hairs and aromatic to the touch. White, five petalled flowers,to 4cm (1½in) in diameter, with a central boss of bright yellow stamens, are produced throughout summer. The petals are broadly oval in shape and recurved at their margins. The plant requires full sun and very well-drained soil in which to grow successfully, particularly overwinter, when rainfall may be higher.

Synonyms
Cistus hirsutus var. psilosepalus misapplied
Cistus psilosepalus misapplied
see moreCistus hirsutus Lam. 1786
Cistus acutifolius misapplied

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer White Yellow Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Cistaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy, Spreading branched
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

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How to grow

Cultivation

Grows well in poor, but well drained soil, in a sheltered site and full sun. The foliage may become chlorotic with age when the shrubs are grown on chalky soil.

Propagation

Propagate by seed, softwood cuttings in spring and by semi-ripe cuttings from midsummer to early autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Patio and container plants
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Pruning group 8 or pruning group 9 if necessary; they do not respond well to hard pruning so old leggy plants are best replaced. Pinch back young plants after flowering to encourage a bushy habit

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus

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