Does it need pruning?

Light pruning after flowering helps keep the shrub compact.

It prefers the ground but can grow in large, well-draining containers.

Plant guide

Rock rose.

Cistus ladanifer

Pronounced SIS-tus la-da-NI-fer

Also known as Common gum cistus, Gum Rock-rose, labdanum, laudanum

Gum Rock-rose — Photo by Borja Fierro (CC BY) via iNaturalist

The rock rose is a beautiful, sun-loving shrub that brings a Mediterranean feel to your garden. It produces delicate, papery flowers that look lovely against its sticky, dark green foliage. You'll find it's quite hardy once it gets established in your landscape.

Another photo of Rock rose — Photo by Terra Occ (CC BY) via iNaturalist

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Evergreen shrub
Light: Full sun
Indoor light: Direct sun
Water: Every 7 to 14 days
Mature size: 5 to 8 feet
Growth rate: Medium
Hardiness: USDA 8 to 10
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer

Care

Plant this shrub in a spot with excellent drainage to keep the roots happy. Watch for yellowing leaves, which often signal that the soil is staying too wet. It thrives with minimal fuss once it settles into its permanent home.

Watering: Water deeply during the first year, but allow the soil to dry out significantly between waterings once established.
Feeding: A light application of balanced fertilizer in early spring is plenty for this hardy plant.
Pruning: Lightly trim back the stems after flowering to keep the plant from getting too woody or leggy.
Repotting: Only repot if the plant has clearly outgrown its container, as it prefers to keep its roots undisturbed.
Soil: Sandy or rocky, well-draining soil
Soil pH: Neutral to slightly acidic
Temperature: -10 to 40°C
Humidity: 20 to 50%
Drought tolerance: High
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 10 to 20 years
Fragrance: Strong
Deer and rabbits: High

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes
Water running straight through the pot
Stunted growth

Safety

People: The plant is generally non-toxic, but the sticky resin can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Children: The sticky resin may be messy and irritating if handled by small children.
Contact allergens: The sticky resin on the leaves can cause contact dermatitis in some people.
Airborne allergens: There are no notable respiratory allergens associated with this plant.
Edibility: This plant is not considered edible and may cause digestive upset if ingested.

How to identify it

Sticky, resinous dark green leaves
Large white flowers with maroon spots
Shrubby, evergreen growth habit
Distinctive aromatic scent when touched

Height: 1.5 to 2.5m
Spread: 1 to 2m
Leaves: dark green, sticky, evergreen
Flowers: white, maroon, 7 to 10cm
Fruit: brown, Late summer

Problems to watch for

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: cuttings, seed
When to plant: spring, autumn
Overwintering: Ensure the plant is kept in a very well-draining spot to avoid winter root rot. Protect from severe, prolonged freezing winds.
In containers: It grows well in large pots with excellent drainage, provided it receives plenty of sun.

Semi-ripe cuttings

1. Take 10 cm cuttings in late summer.
2. Remove lower leaves.
3. Dip in rooting hormone.
4. Place in a sandy, well-draining mix.
5. Keep in a bright, cool spot until rooted.

Group this plant with other Mediterranean species that prefer lean, dry soil and full sun.

Grows well with

Lavender · They share similar requirements for sun and well-draining soil.
Rosemary · This companion thrives in the same dry, sunny conditions.
Thyme · It makes a great low-growing partner for the base of the shrub.

Similar species

Sage-leaved rockrose · A smaller relative with similar white flowers.

Science

Family: Cistaceae
Genus: Cistus
Order: Malvales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Western Mediterranean region.
Conservation: This species is widespread and not of conservation concern.

It is a fire-adapted species that often colonizes disturbed or rocky Mediterranean landscapes.

Value to wildlife: nectar source
Pollinators: bees, butterflies
Uses: ornamental shrub, xeriscaping, fragrance industry

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 3/9
Soil reaction: 5/9
Light: 8/9
Temperature: 7/9
Moisture: 2/9
Nutrients: 2/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Does it need pruning?: Light pruning after flowering helps keep the shrub compact.
Can it grow in pots?: It prefers the ground but can grow in large, well-draining containers.

Where the name comes from

The name Cistus comes from the Greek word kistos, while ladanifer refers to its ability to bear labdanum resin.

Good to know

The resin is highly flammable.
It thrives in poor, rocky soils.
The flowers typically last for only one day.
It is a classic component of Mediterranean maquis shrubland.

Also in

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This guide was generated with AI on September 26, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.