Cistus / Rockrose / Rock rose

Plant family

Zistrosengewächse (Cistaceae)

Season Overview

Details

Light requirement

Sunny

Water requirement

Dry

Soil

Light (sandy)

Nutrient requirement

Low

Plant distance

40 cm

Row spacing

40 cm

Seeding depth

0.1 cm

Instructions

Description

The rock roses (Cistus) belong to the family of rock roses (Cistaceae). They are grown as useful plants, medicinal plants and ornamental plants. Cistus are shrubs that are perennial and can grow more than 3.5 m tall, but are usually smaller between 30-80 cm. The flowers are white, white-yellowish or light pink to purple.

Growing tips

Tolerates frost of around -10°C. Best overwintered in a bright, cool place in the house or conservatory. Hardy and easy to grow. Hardy even in Germany with some winter protection in dry locations. Light germinator. Sow in trays from February under glass. Or in the fall for germination in the spring. Keep these seeds no warmer than approx. 15° for approx. 3-4 weeks. Cut back like lavender in spring. Propagate by cuttings. Fertilize 1-2 times in spring. Perovskia, blue fescue and beard flowers are good companion plants.