Plant types

Plant styles

Planting conditions

Seasonal interest

Nurseries & Gardens

Photo by Colin Smith

This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license.

Show all photos

Cistus 'Snow Fire'

Also Known As

Cistus 'Snowfire'
Snow Fire Rock Rose
Snowfire Cistus

Plant type

shrub

size

H: 4'-5'
W: 6'-8'

planting zones

8a-11

More Options

Cistus 'Snow Fire' plant details

Cistus 'Snow Fire' is a fast-growing broadleaf evergreen shrub with green foliage. In fall, spring and summer burgundy and white flowers emerge. Attracts bees and butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly 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 and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Cistus 'Snow Fire'

Plant type: shrub
Plant family: cistaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 6 FT - 8 FT - wide, 4 FT - 5 FT - tall
Flowers: burgundy and white blooms in fall, spring and summer
Uses: easy-to-grow, fragrant foliage, long-blooming, rock garden, xeric, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Cistus 'Snow Fire'

USDA Zones: 8a - 11
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: occasional - low
Resistant to: deer, heat, seaside / salt and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: acidic, alkaline, average, clay, gritty, lean, rocky and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Snowy-white 2-3" flowers with a bright flare of burgundy-red and yellow in the center decorate this drought-tolerant 4-5' shrub Apr-Aug with wavy bright green leaves on red stems all year; from Eric Sammons at OSU Extension. S/D/GDr

By: Forestfarm

This dense and winter-hardy Cistus becomes covered with large, snow-white flowers that have deep burgundy-red blotches towards their golden centers. Its blooming season is long and it is evergreen to boot! New growth occurs season-long and is a marvelous red-bronze. You'll love the fact that this is not only beautiful nearly year round and easy care, but is also one of the best plants for weed suppression! 4' tall by 6' wide, with foliage to the ground. It's perfect for covering the territory on a sunny bank. Minimum temperature: 5°F

By: Dancing Oaks Nursery

Evergreen shrub boasting large white flowers with yellow centers and a magenta-burgundy blotch frm spring through summer. Stems are also tinged in burgundy for a nice contrast with the foliage. Growth Rate fast

By: Garden World

Flowers are white with a red blotch at the base of each petal and a golden center. Blooms in spring/early summer. Evergreen shrub. Drought tolerant.

By: Briggs Plant Propagators

Vigorous and hardy. White with deep red blotch. Tip after blooming.

By: Thompson's Nursery

Garden photo gallery of Cistus 'Snow Fire'

Photo of Cistus 'Snow Fire' flower by Colin Smith

View Full Size

By: Colin Smith

This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license.

View Original Photo

Photo of Cistus 'Snow Fire' flower by Dancing Oaks Nursery

View Full Size

By: Dancing Oaks Nursery

By: Grace Peterson

By: Cistus Nursery

Gardening facts about Cistus 'Snow Fire' plant

How to Grow Cistus 'Snow Fire'

Sun Exposure
- sun - mostly 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
- verticillium wilt resistant