Cistus Purpureus 10L

Description

Cistus x purpureus – purple rock rose

Botanical name: Cistus x purpureus
Common names: Purple rock rose, orchid rock rose
Family: Cistaceae
Plant type: Evergreen shrub
Habit: Bushy, rounded
Pot size: 10 litre pot
Eventual size: Approx. 1–1.5m tall × 1–1.5m spread
Foliage: Narrow, aromatic grey-green leaves; evergreen
Flowers: Large, papery, rose-purple flowers, each with a dark maroon blotch at the base of the petals, through summer; each flower lasts a day but is followed by many more (June–August)
Scent: Aromatic foliage
Aspect / light: Full sun
Soil: Sharply drained; poor, dry; tolerates lime and coastal conditions; dislikes wet; any pH
Hardiness: RHS H4 (hardy, to about −10°C); best in a warm, sheltered spot; USDA zones 8–10
Exposure: Hot, dry, sunny; excellent for coastal gardens
Native range: Garden hybrid; the genus is native to the Mediterranean
Toxicity / pet & child safety: Generally considered non-toxic to people and pets

Cistus x purpureus, purple rock rose, is a sun-loving evergreen shrub bearing large, papery rose-purple flowers, each blotched maroon, through summer over aromatic grey-green foliage. Superb for hot, dry, coastal gardens.

GardenAdvice notes

A wonderful shrub for hot, dry, sunny positions, purple rock rose smothers itself through summer in large, papery, rose-purple flowers, each with a striking dark maroon blotch. Though each bloom lasts only a day, they open in such profusion that the display is continuous for weeks. Evergreen, aromatic and superbly drought- and salt-tolerant, it thrives where many shrubs would struggle, especially in coastal and Mediterranean-style gardens.

Growing & planting

Plant in spring in sharply drained, poor, dry soil in full sun, in a warm, sheltered spot — it thrives on hot, dry, even limy soils and coastal exposure, and dislikes cold, wet, heavy ground. Improve heavy soil with plenty of grit. Water well while establishing, then leave it be.

Care & maintenance

Low-maintenance. It needs little pruning: after flowering, lightly trim to shape and keep it bushy, but never cut back hard into the old, bare wood, as rock roses will not reshoot from it. It is naturally short-lived and resents disturbance, so it is best replaced rather than moved when it tires. Keep it on the dry side.

Propagation

• Cuttings: Take semi-ripe cuttings in summer — worth doing regularly, as plants are short-lived.

Pests & diseases

Generally trouble-free in a hot, dry, well-drained spot. Its main enemies are cold, wet winters and hard pruning. It is naturally short-lived and dislikes rich or wet soil.

Uses in the garden

Superb in hot, dry, sunny borders, gravel and Mediterranean-style gardens, on sunny banks, and especially in coastal gardens, where its drought and salt tolerance make it invaluable.

Wildlife value

The open flowers are attractive to bees and other pollinating insects through summer.

Toxicity & safety

Purple rock rose is generally regarded as non-toxic to people and pets.

GardenAdvice tip

Rock roses are made for the hottest, driest, sunniest, sharpest-draining spot you have — the sort of place where other shrubs frazzle — and they’re superb by the coast. Don’t be alarmed that each flower lasts only a day; they open in such numbers that the show goes on for weeks. Just trim lightly after flowering, never into the bare old wood, and take a few cuttings each year, as they’re naturally short-lived.

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