Cistus X obtusifolius (27/07/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun
Flowering period: Summer
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 1m
Eventual Spread:1m
Hardiness: 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b
Family: Cistaceae
Cistus X obtusifolius is an evergreen shrub with a rounded habit. Its dark green leaves are lanceolate with entire wavy margins, up to 4cm long and 1.5cm broad. Its white flowers are up to 5cm across and have yellow stamens and pistils at its center.
Cistus X obtusifolius Flower (27/07/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Cistus X obtusifolius, commonly known as the Rock Rose or Sun Rose, is a cross between Cistus salviifolius and Cistus hirsutus. Cistus X obtusifolius is synonymous with Cistus obtusifolius.
The etymological root of the binomial name Cistus is derived from the ancient Greek name for the plant. Obtusifolius is derived from the Latin obtusum meaning ‘blunt’ and folium meaning ‘leaf’.
The landscape architect may find Cistus X obtusifolius 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 obtusifolius is attractive to pollinating insects.
The Royal Horticultural Society has given the variety Cistus X obtusifolius ‘Thrive’ their prestigious Award of Garden Merit in 2012.
Cistus X obtusifolius Leaf (27/07/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Cistus X obtusifolius prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil, although it dislikes chalky soils. It will tolerate stony very well drained, poor soils. It will not tolerate water logging.
Cistus X obtusifolius requires little maintenance. Pruning should be carried after flowering, old wood should not be cut.
