Cistus creticus subsp. incanus

RHS Plant Profile
hoary cistus

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Other common names

rose cistus

Synonyms

Cistus villosus 'Incanus'
Cistus polymorphus
Cistus incanus
Cistus incanus subsp. incanus

Shrubs

A compact evergreen shrub to 1m high, with deeply veined, grey green ovate leaves with lightly wavy margins. Produces clusters of saucer-shaped, pale lilac pink flowers with yellow stamens in summer

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H4
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Cistaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus
Cistus are evergreen shrubs with simple, opposite leaves and 5-petalled, bowl-shaped, white, pink or purplish flowers, each lasting a single day, over a long period in summer
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
S Europe

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in poor to moderately fertile, well drained soil, in a sheltered position in full sun. Plant out when danger of frosts has passed. Generally lime-tolerant, but may become chlorotic on very chalky soils

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown as soon as ripe, or by softwood cuttings in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
  • Banks and slopes
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Pruning group 8 or 9. Pinch back after flowering to maintain a bushy habit; does not respond well to hard pruning

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus