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Young gum rockrose approximately one year after planting, showing the narrow dark green sticky lance-shaped leaves on upright stems before first flowering.
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Broadleaf Evergreen Shrubs

Cistus ladanifer

Gum Rockrose

Cistaceae
Iberian Peninsula (Portugal, Spain) and northwestern Morocco; Mediterranean maquis scrubland, rocky hillsides, and fire-adapted garrigue

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At a Glance

TypeShrub
HabitUpright
FoliageEvergreen
Height4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 m)
Width4-5 feet (1.2-1.5 m)
Maturity3 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

8 - 10
Zone 8Zone 9Zone 10
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
What's my zone? →
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts PollinatorsAttracts ButterfliesDrought TolerantFragrant (strong)
Maintenancevery low

Overview

Cistus ladanifer is gum rockrose (labdanum), an upright evergreen shrub growing 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 m) tall and 4-5 feet (1.2-1.5 m) wide. White papery 5-petaled flowers 3-4 inches (7-10 cm) with crimson-maroon basal blotches in May-June (5 weeks). Each flower lasts only one day — new flowers open each morning. Dark green lance-shaped leaves 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) covered in sticky aromatic labdanum resin, white-felted beneath. In Cistaceae. Ladanifer = bearing labdanum. The labdanum resin has been harvested for millennia as a perfumery ingredient (amber-type fragrances). Native to the Iberian Peninsula and northwestern Morocco in fire-adapted maquis scrubland. Fire-adapted — regenerates from heat-scarified seed after fire. Short-lived (8-15 years). This limited lifespan is the primary limitation. Hardy to about 15°F (-9°C) — zones 8-10 only. Do not prune into old bare wood (no regeneration). Do not irrigate in summer once established. Drought-tolerant. Non-toxic. Full sun. Growth rate is fast.

Native Range

Native to the Iberian Peninsula (Portugal, Spain) and northwestern Morocco. Found in Mediterranean maquis scrubland, rocky hillsides, and fire-adapted garrigue.

Suggested Uses

Grown in Mediterranean-climate gardens, fire-wise landscapes, and on dry rocky slopes, spaced 4-5 feet (1.2-1.5 m). Labdanum resin. Summer-dry. Sharp drainage. Fire-adapted. Non-toxic. Zones 8-10.

How to Identify

Identified by large white papery flowers with crimson-maroon basal blotches and sticky aromatic dark green lance-shaped foliage exuding labdanum resin. The sticky resin-covered foliage and the crimson-blotched flowers are diagnostic. In Cistaceae.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height4' - 6'
Width/Spread4' - 5'

Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white
red

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~5 weeks
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Spring
Late spring to early summer (May-June). White papery 5-petaled flowers 3-4 inches (7-10 cm) with crimson basal blotches. Each flower lasts 1 day; new flowers daily. 5 weeks. Bee- and butterfly-visited.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White with crimson-maroon basal blotches on each petal, 3-4 inches (7-10 cm), 5 petals, papery and crinkled; each flower lasts only one day — new flowers open each morning

Foliage Description

Dark green above, white-felted beneath, lance-shaped, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm); covered in a sticky aromatic resin (labdanum) — the foliage is visibly glossy and tacky to the touch, especially in warm weather

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Requires 6-8 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

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 8.5(Alkaline)
357912
Soil Types
loamsandrockychalk
Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Very Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Full sun (6-8 hours). Well-drained sandy, rocky, or chalky soil pH 6.0-8.5. Do not irrigate in summer once established. Sharp drainage required. Do not prune into old bare wood. Short-lived (8-15 years). Fire-adapted. Strongly aromatic (labdanum resin). Non-toxic. Zones 8-10.

Pruning

Pinch or lightly trim new growth in early spring (March-April) to maintain shape. Do not cut into old bare wood — does not regenerate. Remove dead branches only.

Pruning Schedule

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early spring

Maintenance Level

very low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic