Cistus x purpureus, Orchid Rockrose
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Broadleaf Evergreen Shrubs

Cistus x purpureus

Orchid Rockrose

Cistaceae
Hybrid of garden origin — {C. ladanifer} (Iberian Peninsula) × {C. creticus} (eastern Mediterranean)

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At a Glance

TypeShrub
HabitMounding
FoliageEvergreen
Height3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 m)
Width3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 m)
Maturity5 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

7 - 10
Zone 7Zone 8Zone 9Zone 10
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
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Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts PollinatorsDeer ResistantDrought TolerantFragrant (light)
Maintenancelow

Overview

Cistus x purpureus is orchid rockrose (purple rockrose), a mounding evergreen shrub growing 3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 m) tall and 3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 m) wide. Rosy-purple to magenta-pink papery 5-petaled flowers 3 inches (7 cm) with dark maroon-red basal blotches and yellow stamen center in May-July (8 weeks). Each flower lasts one day — new flowers open each morning. Sage-green to gray-green rugose leaves 1.5-3 inches (4-7 cm). In Cistaceae. Purpureus = purple. A hybrid: C. ladanifer × C. creticus. The rosy-purple flower color with maroon blotches combines traits from both parents. The 8-week bloom period is longer than most Cistus species. Short-lived (8-15 years) — this limited lifespan is the primary limitation. Do not prune into old bare wood. Do not irrigate in summer once established — root rot in wet summer conditions. Hardy to about 10°F (-12°C). Lightly fragrant foliage. Drought-tolerant. Deer-resistant. Non-toxic. Zones 7-10. Full sun. Growth rate is moderate.

Native Range

Hybrid of garden origin — C. ladanifer (Iberian Peninsula) × C. creticus (eastern Mediterranean).

Suggested Uses

Grown in Mediterranean-climate gardens, dry borders, and on slopes, spaced 3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 m). Longest-blooming rockrose (8 weeks). Summer-dry. Sharp drainage. Non-toxic. Zones 7-10.

How to Identify

Identified by rosy-purple to magenta-pink papery flowers with dark maroon basal blotches on a mounding evergreen shrub with sage-green to gray-green rugose foliage. The purple-pink flower color with maroon blotches distinguishes C. x purpureus from white-flowered species (C. ladanifer, C. x hybridus). In Cistaceae.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height3' - 5'
Width/Spread3' - 5'

Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years

Colors

Flower Colors

purple
pink

Foliage Colors

green
gray

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~8 weeks
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SpringSummer
Late spring to midsummer (May-July). Rosy-purple to magenta-pink papery flowers 3 inches (7 cm) with dark maroon basal blotches. Each flower 1 day; new daily. 8 weeks. Bee-visited.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Rosy-purple to magenta-pink, 3 inches (7 cm), 5 papery crinkled petals with a dark maroon-red basal blotch on each petal; yellow stamen center; each flower lasts one day

Foliage Description

Sage-green to gray-green, ovate to lance-shaped, 1.5-3 inches (4-7 cm), with a rugose (wrinkled) surface; slightly aromatic; evergreen year-round

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 - 8.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
sandloamrocky
Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

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 or rocky soil pH 6.0-8.0. Do not irrigate in summer once established. Sharp drainage required. Do not prune into old bare wood. Short-lived (8-15 years). Lightly fragrant foliage. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Zones 7-10.

Pruning

Prune lightly after bloom (July) to shape. Do not cut into old bare wood — does not regenerate. Remove dead branches only.

Pruning Schedule

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Maintenance Level

low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic