Cistus purpureus (Purple-Flowered Rock Rose)

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.