Rock rose.

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

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

Common problems

• Root rot — Occurs when the soil stays too wet for too long.

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.

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

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

• Drought-tolerant plants
• Deer-resistant plants