x Halimiocistus wintonensis ‘Merrist Wood Cream’ (Winton Rock Rose)

x Halimiocistus wintonensis ‘Merrist Wood Cream’ (Winton Rock Rose) is a low spreading, evergreen shrub with masses of silky, saucer-shaped, pale creamy-yellow flowers, 2 in. across (5 cm), adorned with a wine-red spot at the base of each petal. Although each flower lasts only for a day, this vigorous shrub provides a succession of flowers for weeks from mid-spring to early summer. The blossoms are borne atop a compact mound of gray-green, elliptic, evergreen leaves. This hybrid results from a cross between Cistus and Halimium and combines the qualities of both parents: profuse flowers, dense foliage, high tolerance for heat and drought. Perfect for rock gardens, dry banks or cascading over a wall.

• Winner of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society for its noteworthy qualities.
• Grows with a bushy habit to 2 ft. high (60 cm) and 2-3 ft. wide (60-90 cm).
• Easily grown in in full sun in sandy, poor to moderately fertile, well-drained soils. Little or no water for established plants. Excellent drainage is critical. Shelter from cold, drying winds.
• Great for beds and borders, wall-side borders, edging, city gardens, cottage gardens, coastal gardens, Mediterranean gardens, rock gardens and containers.
• Virtually disease and pest free.
• Needs little pruning. Prune lightly in mid-late spring, removing unsightly shoots as required.
• Take semi-ripe cuttings in late summer.