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Cistus creticus ssp. incanus (Pink Rock Rose)

Pink Rock Rose, Hairy Rockrose, Gum Cistus, Grey Rockrose, European Rock Rose, Balm of Gilead

Cistus Creticus ssp. Incanus, Pink Rock Rose, Hairy Rockrose, Gum Cistus, Grey Rockrose, European Rock Rose, Balm of Gilead, Mediterranean plants, Mediterranean shrubs, Pink flowers, Purple Flowers, Rockrose
Cistus Creticus ssp. Incanus, Pink Rock Rose, Hairy Rockrose, Gum Cistus, Grey Rockrose, European Rock Rose, Balm of Gilead, Mediterranean plants, Mediterranean shrubs, Pink flowers, Purple Flowers, Rockrose

Glowing in the sunny border, Cistus creticus ssp. incanus (Pink Rock Rose) is a bushy evergreen shrub with flamboyant, deep pink flowers, 2 in. across (5 cm), adorned with orange stamens. Although each flower lasts only for a day, this vigorous shrub provides a succession of flowers for weeks in late spring with reblooms throughout the summer. The blossoms are borne atop a low-growing, dense mound of wavy-edged, gray-green leaves. Extremely heat-hardy, Pink Rock Rose stands also among the hardiest of all Rock Roses, tolerating temperatures down to 10-15°F (-12 to -9°C), provided the chilly periods are not extended. This tough little Cistus tolerates salt spray, wind, and extreme drought conditions, making it an excellent addition to seaside gardens.

  • Grows with a bushy habit to 2-4 ft. high (60-120 cm) and 2-3 ft. wide (60-90 cm).
  • Easily grown in well-drained soils in full sun. Excellent evergreen shrub for gardens that get infrequent to little watering. Will grow in poor soils. Protect from cold winds.
  • Drought and salt tolerant, deer resistant
  • Great for banks and slopes, beds and borders, wall-side borders, groundcovers, cottage gardens, coastal gardens, Mediterranean gardens, rock gardens, and city gardens.
  • Virtually disease and pest free
  • Propagate by seed or softwood cuttings
  • Does not respond to hard pruning.

Requirements

Hardiness 9 - 10
Heat Zones 9 - 10
Climate Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Cistaceae
Genus Cistus
Common names Cistus, Balm of Gilead, Rockrose
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Height 2' - 4'
(60cm - 120cm)
Spread 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Spacing 36" (90cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Salt, Dry Soil
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Banks And Slopes, Beds And Borders, Ground Covers, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Coastal Garden, City and Courtyard, Mediterranean Garden, Informal and Cottage
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Cistus x florentinus (Florentine Rockrose)
Cistus creticus (Cretan Rockrose)
Cistus × hybridus Little Miss Sunshine (Rockrose)
Cistus × skanbergii (Dwarf Pink Rockrose)
Cistus x pulverulentus ‘Sunset’ (Magenta Rock Rose)
Cistus purpureus (Purple-Flowered Rock Rose)

Recommended Companion Plants

Lavandula stoechas ‘Anouk’ (Spanish Lavender)
Anthemis tinctoria ‘E.C. Buxton’ (Golden Marguerite)
Helichrysum petiolare (Licorice Plant)
Centranthus ruber (Red Valerian)

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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 9 - 10
Heat Zones 9 - 10
Climate Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Cistaceae
Genus Cistus
Common names Cistus, Balm of Gilead, Rockrose
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Height 2' - 4'
(60cm - 120cm)
Spread 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Spacing 36" (90cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Salt, Dry Soil
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Banks And Slopes, Beds And Borders, Ground Covers, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Coastal Garden, City and Courtyard, Mediterranean Garden, Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Cistus (Rock Rose)
Not sure which Cistus (Rock Rose) to pick?
Compare Now

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