Cistus x purpureus (22/05/2016, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun
Flowering period: Summer
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 90cm
Eventual Spread:1.5m
Hardiness: 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b
Family: Cistaceae
Cistus x purpureus is an evergreen shrub with a rounded, bushy habit. Its dark green/ grey leaves are lanceolate with entire wavy margins, up to 5cm long and 1.5cm broad. Its purple flowers are up to 8cm across and have yellow stamens and pistils at its center.
Cistus x purpureus Flower (22/05/2016, Kew Gardens, London)
Cistus x purpureus, commonly known as the Purple Flowered Rock Rose.
The etymological root of the binomial name Cistus is derived from the ancient Greek name for the plant. Purpureus is from the Latin meaning ‘purple’.
The landscape architect may find Cistus x purpureus useful on poor, dry soils or as part of a Mediterranean planting scheme. Once established this plant is drought tolerant. This shrub is not attractive to deer.
Ecologically, Cistus x purpureus flowers are attractive to pollinating insects, including butterfly.
Cistus x purpureus Leaf (22/05/2016, Kew Gardens, London)
The Royal Horticultural Society has given Cistus x purpureus their prestigious Award of Garden Merit in 1993.
Cistus x purpureus prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil, although very chalky soils may make this plant become chlorotic. It will tolerate stony very well drained, poor soils. It will not tolerate water logging.
Cistus x purpureus requires little maintenance. Pruning should be carried after flowering, old wood should not be cut.
Landscape Architecture
