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Cistus ocymoides

basil-leaved rockrose

A bushy, spreading dwarf evergreen shrub with narrowly oval, grey-green leaves and bright yellow flowers to 3cm wide, the petals blotched with deep purple at the base, in early summer

Synonyms
Helianthemum ocymoides
Halimium ocymoides
see moreCistus algarvensis
× Halimiocistus algarvensis
Helianthemum algarvense

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Grey Silver
Summer Purple Yellow Green Grey Silver
Autumn Green Grey Silver
Winter Green Grey Silver
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

West–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H4
Botanical 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
Iberian Pen., Morocco

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained sandy soil in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Banks and slopes
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Wall side borders
Pruning

Pruning group 9

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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