Growing Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones
8 - 10These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
What's my zone? →Frost Tolerancehardy
Overview
Cistus albidus is a compact, evergreen shrub in the Cistaceae family, growing 3–5 feet (90–150 cm) tall and 3–5 feet (90–150 cm) wide with a dense, rounded habit. Leaves are opposite, ovate to elliptic, 1.5–2.5 inches (4–6 cm) long, sessile, thick-textured, covered on both surfaces with dense white-grey stellate hairs that give the entire plant a pale, whitish-grey appearance — the basis for the epithet albidus. Flowers are 2–2.5 inches (5–6 cm) across with five crinkled, tissue-paper-textured petals in pink to pale lilac-pink with a yellow staminal boss at the centre. Individual flowers last a single day, opening in the morning and dropping petals by evening, but new flowers open daily over a 4–6 week period. The species is adapted to fire-prone Mediterranean garigue and maquis habitats — seeds have hard coats that require heat scarification for germination, and the aromatic resinous foliage is flammable. The resin (labdanum) has a warm, ambery scent detectable on warm days. Tolerates drought, heat, poor soil, alkaline conditions, and coastal exposure. Does not tolerate waterlogged soil, humid conditions, or temperatures below approximately 15°F (-9°C). Short-lived — plants typically decline after 8–12 years and are best replaced rather than renovated, as they do not regenerate from hard pruning into old wood.
Native Range
Cistus albidus is native to the western Mediterranean, from Portugal and Spain through southern France, the Balearic Islands, Corsica, Sardinia, and into North Africa (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia). It grows on dry, rocky, calcareous slopes, in garigue and maquis scrubland, from sea level to approximately 4,000 feet (1,200 m).Suggested Uses
Planted in Mediterranean-style gardens, gravel gardens, and dry banks, spaced 3–4 feet (90–120 cm) apart. Effective as an informal low hedge in dry, well-drained sites. Tolerates coastal wind and salt spray. Combines with lavender, rosemary, Phlomis, and other Mediterranean shrubs. In the Pacific Northwest, restricted to the driest, warmest microsites with alkaline, well-drained soil.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 5'
Width/Spread3' - 5'
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Flowers open from May through June, with peak bloom over 3–4 weeks. Each flower lasts a single day — petals open in the morning and fall by evening. A mature plant may produce dozens of flowers daily over the bloom period. Pollinated by bees and other insects visiting for pollen (no nectar is produced). Seed capsules ripen by August.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Pink to pale lilac-pink with yellow centreFoliage Description
White-greyGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in full sun in sharply drained, lean, neutral to alkaline soil with a pH of 6.5–8.5. Space 3–4 feet (90–120 cm) apart. Amend heavy soils with coarse grit and gravel. Do not fertilise — rich soil produces weak, leggy growth and reduces flowering. Water sparingly after establishment; the species is drought-adapted and resents summer irrigation. Do not mulch with organic material; use gravel or stone chips. In the Pacific Northwest, site on a south-facing slope, raised bed, or against a warm wall to ensure adequate drainage and heat accumulation. Protect from cold, drying winter winds.Pruning
Prune lightly after flowering in late June to maintain shape — pinch or trim new growth by one-third. Do not cut into old, bare wood, as the species does not regenerate from leafless stems. Replace leggy or declining plants (typically after 8–12 years) rather than attempting renovation pruning.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer
Maintenance Level
very lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons