Family Cistaceae
Originating from W. Mediterranean
- Low, spreading evergreen with velvety grey-green leaves
- Bright magenta-pink flowers with yellow centres, late spring to summer
- Fully hardy in most of the UK, ideal for dry gravel gardens
Bathe your garden in Mediterranean glow with the Cistus Sunset rock rose, a low-growing plant that spills bright colour across sunny borders. Its velvety grey-green leaves form a dense mat, bursting into magenta-pink flowers with yellow hearts from late spring to summer.
For example, pollinators can’t get enough of its blooms. At Urban Jungle, we love its 60cm x 90cm spread (5–10 years) in dry gravel gardens or coastal plots, where its drought tolerance shines. Also, it’s fully hardy in most of the UK and thrives in poor, well-drained soils with full sun.
Care Tips for a Cistus Sunset Rock Rose:
- Soil & Sun: Loves poor, well-drained soil, even sandy or rocky—full sun’s a must
- Planting: Perfect for gravel gardens, coastal borders, or sunny banks
- Watering: Drought-tolerant once established, minimal watering needed
- Pruning: Trim lightly after flowering to shape—no gloves needed, foliage is soft
This Cistus Sunset rock rose brings easy Mediterranean charm to any garden. Because its bright blooms and silvery foliage create a sun-kissed display, it thrives on neglect.
Its soft mound-shaped form contrasts perfectly with upright, architectural plants like Cordyline australis, Cupressus sempervirens, and Yucca filifera.
In traditional English borders, its cerise blooms complement the richer, deeper colours of perennials such as Echinacea purpurea ‘Magnus’, Eucomis comosa ‘Sparkling Burgundy’, and Hemerocallis ‘Dominic’.
Dive deeper in our Encyclopedia page, or explore more at https://treesandshrubsonline.org/articles/cistus/cistus-pulverulentus/.
