Alphabetical Plant Listing

Cistus purpureus (Purple-Flowered Rock Rose)

Purple-Flowered Rock Rose, Cistus ÌÑ purpureus 'Betty Taudevin', Orchid Rockrose


One of the showiest Rock Roses, Cistus purpureus (Purple-Flowered Rock Rose) is a small, bushy evergreen shrub with large, yellow-centered, purplish-pink flowers, 3 in. across (8 cm), adorned with plum-red blotches at the base of their petals. Although each flower lasts only for a day, this vigorous shrub provides a succession of flowers for weeks in late spring to early summer. The blossoms are borne atop a dense mound of wavy-edged, narrow, dull green leaves. Listed in 1819, this hybrid Cistus results from a cross between Cistus ladanifer and Cistus creticus and stands among the hardiest of all Rock Roses, tolerating temperatures down to around 15°F (-9°C). Excellent for adding sparkling color to seaside gardens as it can survive with salt spray, wind and sandy soil.

  • Winner of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society for its noteworthy qualities.
  • Grows with a bushy habit to 4-6 ft. high and wide (120-180 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 and tolerate coastal conditions. 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.

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Requirements

Hardiness 7 – 10
Heat Zones 8 – 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 Cistus - Rock Roses
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early)
Height 4' – 6' (120cm – 180cm)
Spread 4' – 6' (120cm – 180cm)
Spacing 72" (180cm)
Water Needs Low
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Deer, Drought, Dry Soil, Salt
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Ground Covers, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden

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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.


Requirements

Hardiness 7 – 10
Heat Zones 8 – 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 Cistus - Rock Roses
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early)
Height 4' – 6' (120cm – 180cm)
Spread 4' – 6' (120cm – 180cm)
Spacing 72" (180cm)
Water Needs Low
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Deer, Drought, Dry Soil, Salt
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Ground Covers, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden

Great Plant Combination Ideas with Cistus - Rock Roses

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