Cistus × incanus
magenta rockrose
Overview
Cistus x incanus is an evergreen Mediterranean shrub of hybrid origin, usually attributed to a cross between C. albidus and C. crispus. It forms a rounded mound 24–40 inches (60–100 cm) tall and slightly wider, built from many branched, somewhat brittle stems. The oval to lance-shaped leaves are 0.8–2 inches (2–5 cm) long, grey-green, wrinkled, and covered in soft hairs that give a felted texture; they release a resinous scent in warm weather. Flowers are 1.5–2.5 inches (4–6 cm) across with five crumpled, magenta to purplish-pink petals surrounding a central boss of yellow stamens. Each flower lasts a single day, opening in the morning and shedding its petals by afternoon, while new buds open in succession over several weeks from late spring into summer. The shrub grows on poor, dry, alkaline to neutral soils and withstands heat, wind, and coastal salt, but it tolerates neither wet winter soils nor hard frost and rarely survives below USDA zone 8. Plants are short-lived, often declining after 5–8 years, and old wood seldom resprouts after hard pruning.
Native Range
The parent species are native to the Mediterranean Basin, and the hybrid occurs in that region on dry, rocky hillsides and in open scrub. It is grown in gardens across mild, dry-summer climates worldwide.Suggested Uses
Planted in gravel gardens, on dry banks, and in Mediterranean-style borders, including coastal gardens exposed to salt wind. Spaced 30–40 inches (75–100 cm) apart, it suits hot, dry sites where many shrubs fail.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 3'4"
Width/Spread2'6" - 4'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Magenta to purplish-pink with yellow stamensFoliage Description
Grey-greenGrowing 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
Grows in full sun on lean, sharply drained soil with a pH from 6.5 to 8.0, including chalky and rocky ground. Tolerates drought, heat, wind, and coastal salt once established and needs little or no summer water. Wet winter soils and hard frost are the main causes of death, and the shrub rarely survives below USDA zone 8. Light trimming after flowering keeps plants compact, while cuts into bare old wood rarely regenerate. Plants are short-lived, often thinning after 5–8 years. Rich soil produces soft, sparse growth, so feeding is unnecessary on poor ground.Pruning
Light trimming of the current season's growth after flowering keeps the shrub dense and rounded. Cuts into bare old wood rarely regenerate. Declining plants are replaced rather than rejuvenated.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons