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Shrubs
Cistus ocymoides
basil-leaved rockrose
A bushy, spreading dwarf evergreen shrub with narrowly oval, grey-green leaves and bright yellow flowers to 3cm wide, the petals blotched with deep purple at the base, in early summer
Synonyms
Helianthemum ocymoidesHalimium ocymoides
see moreCistus algarvensis
× Halimiocistus algarvensis
Helianthemum algarvense
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Grey Silver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple Yellow | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Winter | Green Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H4Botanical 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
- Iberian Pen., Morocco
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in well-drained sandy soil in full sun
Propagation
Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Banks and slopes
- Flower borders and beds
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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