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Cistus creticus

Cretan rockrose

A very variable, small, bushy, evergreen shrub, to perhaps 1.5m tall, often with shaggily hairy stems and lightly aromatic green foliage. Flowers are variable in shade from deep purple-pink to rose pink, to 6cm across, with a yellow centre

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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
1–1.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Pink 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
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
Mediterranean

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in poor to moderately fertile soil in sheltered site in full sun. Usually lime tolerant, but can become chlorotic on very alkaline soils

Propagation

Propagate by seed; sow as soon as ripe and keep in cold frame or sow in spring. Take softwood cuttings in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Coastal
  • Gravel garden
  • Rock garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Banks and slopes
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Pruning group 8 or pruning group 9. Generally does not respond well to hard renovation pruning

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus

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