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Cistus × hybridus

hybrid rock rose

A bushy, dense, evergreen shrub to 1m tall with wavy-edged and wrinkled leaves.White flowers with yellow centres are freely produced in summer emerging from red buds

Synonyms
Cistus coeris
Cistus × corbariensis
see moreCistus × hybridus var. corbariensis
Cistus acutifolius Sweet
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
1–1.5 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
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

Grows best in well-drained, poor, sandy, soil in a sheltered site in full sun. Generally lime-tolerant, but may become chlorotic on very chalky soils

Propagation

Propagate by softwood or semi-ripe cuttings

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

Pruning group 8; 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

Get involved

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