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Cistus albidus (Rock rose, Sun rose)

Cistus albidus Photo/Illustration: Steve Aitken


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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Cistus albidus Common Name: Rock rose, Sun rose Genus: Cistus
This is an evergreen, bushy shrub native to southwestern Europe and North Africa. Rock roses are useful in a shrub border, on a hillside, or in containers. Cistus albidus bears vibrant lilac-pink flowers in summer. Although each flower lasts only one day, they are produced in great numbers on plants that are 3 feet tall and wide.
 Noteworthy characteristics: Dense, bushy growth habit and dark lilac-pink flowers with yellow centers. Each bloom lasts only a day. Plants are often short-lived.
 Care: Well-drained soil in full sun, in soil of poor to moderate fertility. Plant in a sheltered site after danger of hard frosts has passed. Pinch back young plants. Old plants are best replaced when they get leggy.
 Propagation: Sow seed in a cold frame in containers when ripe or in spring. Root cuttings in summer.
 Problems: Infrequent.
Height 1 ft. to 3 ft.
Spread 1 ft. to 3 ft.
Growth Pace Moderate Grower
Light Full Sun Only
Moisture Medium Moisture
Maintenance Moderate
Characteristics Showy Flowers
Bloom Time Summer
Flower Color Pink Flower; Purple/ Lavender Flower
Uses , Beds and Borders, Container, Slopes and Hillsides, Ground Covers
Seasonal Interest , Summer Interest
Type ,Shrubs

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