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Cistus ladanifer (Crimson-Spot Rockrose)

Gum Rockrose, Laudanum, Labdanum,Common Gum Cistus, Brown-Eyed Rockrose, Crimson-Spot Rockrose, Cistus maculatus, Cistus Ladaniferus

Cistus Ladanifer, Gum Rockrose, Laudanum, Labdanum,Common Gum Cistus, Brown-Eyed Rockrose, Crimson-Spot Rockrose, Cistus maculatus, Cistus Ladaniferus, Mediterranean plants, Mediterranean shrubs, white flowers
Cistus Ladanifer, Gum Rockrose, Laudanum, Labdanum,Common Gum Cistus, Brown-Eyed Rockrose, Crimson-Spot Rockrose, Cistus maculatus, Cistus Ladaniferus, Mediterranean plants, Mediterranean shrubs, white flowers

Considered by some the most beautiful, Cistus ladanifer (Crimson-Spot Rockrose) is definitely one of the showiest Cistus species. In spring, this dense, evergreen shrub is covered with a profusion of large, up to 4 in. wide (10 cm), solitary papery white flowers blotched with crimson spots at the base of each petal. Although each flower lasts only for a day, this vigorous shrub provides a succession of flowers for about a month. The foliage is strongly resin-scented in the sun and consists of very sticky, narrow, dark green leaves with gray undersides. Native to Spain and Portugal, this sturdy shrub is well suited to the continental Mediterranean climate, standing both long summer droughts and cold weather.

  • Grows upright with a loose, open habit to 3-5 ft. high (90-150 cm) and wide.
  • Easily grown in well-drained soils in full sun. Excellent evergreen shrub for gardens that get no watering. Will grow in poor soils and tolerate coastal conditions. 
  • Drought tolerant and deer resistant
  • Great for banks and slopesbeds and bordershedges, cottage gardens, coastal gardens, Mediterranean gardenscity gardens or gravel and rock gardens.
  • Virtually disease and pest free
  • Propagate by seed or softwood cuttings
  • Pinch out the longer growing points to encourage the flowering side shoots to form.

Requirements

Hardiness 7 - 10
Heat Zones 7 - 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, Labdanum, Laudanum, Rockrose
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid)
Height 3' - 5'
(90cm - 150cm)
Spread 3' - 5'
(90cm - 150cm)
Spacing 48" - 72"
(120cm - 180cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Dry Soil
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Banks And Slopes, Beds And Borders, Ground Covers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden
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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

Stipa gigantea (Golden Oats)
Helichrysum petiolare (Licorice Plant)
Centranthus ruber (Red Valerian)
Achillea (Yarrow)
Papaver orientale (Oriental Poppy)
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 7 - 10
Heat Zones 7 - 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, Labdanum, Laudanum, Rockrose
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid)
Height 3' - 5'
(90cm - 150cm)
Spread 3' - 5'
(90cm - 150cm)
Spacing 48" - 72"
(120cm - 180cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Dry Soil
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Banks And Slopes, Beds And Borders, Ground Covers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden
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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