Cistus albidus
white-leaved rock rose
A compact, bushy, evergreen shrub with oblong, white-felted leaves that gives them a pale green-grey appearance. Papery flowers borne in summer are pale rose-lilac with golden-yellow centres
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Grey Silver Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Gold Purple Pink Yellow | Grey Silver Green | ||
| Autumn | Grey Silver Green | |||
| Winter | Grey Silver Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Cistaceae
- Native to the UK
- 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
- SW Europe
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in poor to moderately fertile soil in sheltered site in full sun. Usually lime tolerant, but can become chlorotic on very alkaline soils
Propagation
Propagate by seed or from softwood cuttings in summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Gravel garden
- Rock garden
- Mediterranean climate plants
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Banks and slopes
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Pruning group 8 or pruning group 9. Generally does not respond well to hard renovation pruning
Pests
Generally trouble free
Diseases
Generally trouble free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.