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Cistus populifolius

Also Known As

  • Rockrose

Plant type

shrub

size

  • H: 5'-6'
  • W: 5'-6'

planting zones

  • 8a-10b

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Cistus populifolius plant details

Cistus populifolius is a broadleaf evergreen shrub with green foliage. In spring and summer pink and white flowers emerge. Attracts bees and butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun and occasional - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in summer. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in acidic, alkaline, average, clay, gritty, lean, rocky and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant, seaside / salt tolerant, verticillium wilt resistant and wind tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Cistus populifolius

Plant type: shrub
Plant family: cistaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 5 FT - 6 FT - wide, 5 FT - 6 FT - tall
Flowers: pink and white blooms in spring and summer
Uses: heart-shaped leaves

GROWING CONDITIONS for Cistus populifolius

USDA Zones: 8a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: occasional - low
Resistant to: deer, rabbit and snail / slug, heat, seaside / salt, verticillium wilt and wind
Soil needs: acidic, alkaline, average, clay, gritty, lean, rocky and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

The unique, apple green foliage of this hearty species has undulating margins and grows in dense mounds, creating a luxurious backdrop for white flowers embellished with yellow centers. When the plant is budding, red-hued sepals contrast brilliantly with the delicate flowers.
Used since antiquity as an analgesic it is the subject of current drug research, and a very showy ornamental with white to pink flowers.

Gardening facts about Cistus populifolius plant

How to Grow Cistus populifolius

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • occasional - drought tolerant
  • Water Needs

    • dry in summer
  • Soil Needs

    • clay
    • acidic
    • alkaline
    • adaptable
    • average
    • lean
    • well-drained
    • rocky
    • gritty
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant
    • seaside / salt tolerant
    • wind tolerant
    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • white
    • pink
  • Wildlife

    • bees
    • butterflies
    • deer resistant
    • snail / slug resistant
    • rabbit resistant
  • Flower Season

    • spring
    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen

See other plant types of Cistus for your garden

aka Cistus obtusifolius, Rock Rose

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

7b-10b

Size

Height: 2'-3'

Width: 3'-4'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • occasional - drought tolerant
  • dry in summer
Photo of Cistus x obtusifolius flower by Cistus Nursery
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aka Alan Fradd Rock Rose

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

7a-11

Size

Height: 2'-3'

Width: 3'-4'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • occasional - drought tolerant
  • dry in summer
Photo of Cistus x purpureus 'Alan Fradd' flower by Jennifer Gibson Dennis
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aka Cistus 'Elma', Elma Rock Rose

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

7a-10b

Size

Height: 4'-6'

Width: 5'-8'

  • sun
  • occasional - drought tolerant
  • dry in summer
Photo of Cistus x cyprius var. ellipticus 'Elma' flower by Forestfarm
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aka Cistus 'Snowfire', Snow Fire Rock Rose, Snowfire Cistus

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

8a-11

Size

Height: 4'-5'

Width: 6'-8'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • occasional - drought tolerant
  • dry in summer
Photo of Cistus 'Snow Fire' flower by Colin Smith
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aka Jenkyn Place Rock Rose

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

7a-10b

Size

Height: 3'-4'

Width: 3'-4'

  • sun
  • occasional - drought tolerant
  • dry in summer
Photo of Cistus x dansereaui 'Jenkyn Place' flower by Daryll's Nursery
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+76 more Cistus
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