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Plant Guide

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Cistus skanbergii

  • Common Name
    Pink Rockrose
  • CA Native
    Non-native
  • Plant Type
    Shrub
  • Size
    2' - 3' x 3' - 4'
  • Flower Color
    Pink
  • Bloom Time
    • Spring
  • Leaves
    Gray-Green
  • Evergreen
    Evergreen
  • Deer Resistant
    Rarely Damaged
  • Wildlife Value
    • Bees
  • Growth Rate
    Moderate
  • Hardiness
    Hardy
  • Adverse Growth Factors
    None
  • Special Features
    • Low Maintenance
    • Showy Flowers
  • Water Use
    • Drought Tolerant
    • Low
  • Soil pH
    6.5-7.5 (neutral)
  • Exposure
    N / A
  • Soil Type
    Not Particular
  • Drainage
    Good Drainage
  • Description and Cultural Plant Tips

    Cistus skanbergii is a low-growing, dense, evergreen shrub with soft gray-green foliage that produces huge numbers of pale pink flowers in the spring with a smattering of flowers throughout the rest of the summer. It tolerates poor soil, heat, wind, drought and seaside conditions. It can be used as a dry bank ground cover and is especially good for erosion control on slopes.

    Plant slightly above grade in well-drained soil.  Likes full sun and is drought tolerant once established. Tip pinch young plants to thicken growth. This plant resents hard pruning.

    Cistus attracts bees and other nectar seeking insects.

    No serious diseases or pests.

     

  • Master Gardener Comments

    I use this rockrose because the spring bloom completely covers the plant. It also will bloom sporatically all summer long. It is an incredibly tough little shrub and survives in on a very hot, dry slope in my back garden. It needs no summer water once established.

  • Varietals

    C. purpureus - pink flowers with burgandy spots

    C. monsepeliensis 'Vicar's Mead' - creamy-yellow, saucer-shaped flowers

    C. purpureus 'Alan Fradd'arge' - white flowers with a chocolate brown basal blotch