Family Cistaceae
Originating from S. Europe

A rounded, bushy, evergreen shrub with masses of pink flowers in spring/summer. The dull, green leaves emerge from sticky red shoots and are felt-like in texture. These set off the large, crumpled, silky textured, dark pink flowers, each with distinctive dark purple blotches at the base of the petals. Each flower lasts just a day but are produced prolifically over several months. Essential in Mediterranean style, gravel and rockery gardens, they give a soft contrast to the spikes and lances of architectural plants. Very few other shrubs are as drought tolerant as Cistus and will give an excellent performance in the most inhospitable of soils. Surprisingly thirsty plants when grown in a pot however. Prune in late summer to maintain a compact plant.
Grow in well-drained soil in sun.

Height and spread after 2- 3 years 80cm x 80cm
Mature height and spread after 3 – 4 years 1m x 1.5m