Cistus × skanbergii
pink rock rose
Garden origin; parent species from the Mediterranean
Overview
Cistus spp. × skanbergii spp. is an evergreen shrub in the rock rose family, a hybrid of Cistus monspeliensis and Cistus parviflorus, forming a low, spreading mound 24-36 inches (60-90 cm) tall and 36-48 inches (90-120 cm) wide. The narrow, grey-green leaves are 0.75-1.5 inches (2-4 cm) long, with a soft, slightly hairy surface and a resinous scent in warm weather. In late spring and early summer the shrub carries many pale pink saucer-shaped flowers 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) across, each with five crinkled petals around a center of yellow stamens. Individual flowers last a single day, opening in the morning and dropping their petals by evening, while new buds open in succession over several weeks. The plant is short-lived, often declining after 5-8 years, and does not regrow from hard pruning into old wood. It tolerates heat, drought, and salt spray but is damaged below about 15°F (-9°C).
Native Range
A hybrid raised in cultivation from Cistus monspeliensis and Cistus parviflorus, both native to the Mediterranean region. The parent species grow on dry, rocky hillsides and scrubland in full sun. The hybrid does not occur in the wild.Suggested Uses
Planted in dry gardens, gravel gardens, sunny banks, and coastal plantings at 36-48 inch (90-120 cm) spacing. Used as low, spreading cover on hot, dry slopes. Cold sensitivity limits it to mild and coastal climates.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 3'
Width/Spread3' - 4'
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Colors
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Pale pink with yellow centerFoliage 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 in poor, dry, sharply drained soil, including sandy and rocky ground, and tolerates coastal salt spray. Performs poorly in heavy, wet, or fertile soils, where growth is soft and short-lived. Water through the first season to establish, then little supplemental water is needed. The shrub does not regrow from hard pruning into old wood. Cold below about 15°F (-9°C) damages or kills it, so it is grown outdoors only in mild regions. Plants decline after 5-8 years and are replaced.Pruning
Trim lightly after flowering to shape the plant, cutting only into the current season's growth. Cutting into old, leafless wood does not produce new shoots. Remove winter-damaged stems in spring.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