What hardiness zones is Cistus x purpureus suitable for?

Cistus x purpureus is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 7, 8, 9, 10.

What are the sun requirements for Cistus x purpureus?

Cistus x purpureus requires Full Sun.

How much water does Cistus x purpureus need?

Cistus x purpureus has Low water needs.

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Broadleaf Evergreen Shrubs

Cistus x purpureus

Orchid Rockrose

Cistaceae

Mediterranean Basin (hybrid of garden origin)

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 7

Zone 8

Zone 9

Zone 10

These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.

Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators

Deer Resistant

Drought Tolerant

Fragrant (light)

Maintenancelow

Overview

An evergreen shrub reaching 3–5 feet (0.9–1.5 m) tall with a similar spread. Habit is rounded to mounded with upright to slightly spreading stems. Leaves opposite, lance-shaped to oblong, 1.5–2.5 inches (3.8–6.4 cm) long, gray-green to sage-green, with a slightly wrinkled, rugose surface and slightly wavy margins. Foliage is lightly aromatic when touched or crushed, releasing a faint resinous scent. Flowers produced abundantly from May through July; each bloom lasts a single day but opens successively. Petals five, rosy-purple to magenta-pink, approximately 1–1.25 inches (2.5–3.2 cm) long, with a prominent dark maroon to blackish-purple blotch at the base of each petal surrounding a cluster of yellow stamens. Flowers 2–3 inches (5–7.6 cm) in diameter. Drought tolerance is high once established; plants in well-drained soils tolerate extended dry periods during the Mediterranean summer dry season. Does not transplant well once established due to sensitive root system. Short-lived in heavy clay or waterlogged soils; typical lifespan 7–12 years in appropriate conditions.

Native Range

Cistus × purpureus is a hybrid of garden origin, resulting from crosses between Mediterranean species — most commonly attributed to C. ladanifer × C. creticus. Its parent species are native to the Mediterranean Basin, including Spain, France, Portugal, Italy, North Africa, and the eastern Mediterranean islands. The hybrid itself does not occur naturally in the wild.

Suggested Uses

Commonly planted on dry slopes, in rock gardens, and in Mediterranean or xeric border plantings where summer drought is expected. Spacing at 3–4 feet (0.9–1.2 m) allows mature spread without crowding. Tolerates poor rocky or sandy soils, salt spray, and wind exposure, making it suitable for coastal plantings in appropriate hardiness zones. Not suitable for regularly irrigated mixed borders or regions with humid, wet summers.

How to Identify

Identified by opposite, lance-shaped to oblong sage-green leaves 1.5–2.5 inches (3.8–6.4 cm) long with a rugose, slightly wrinkled upper surface and slightly wavy margins. The five-petaled flowers, 2–3 inches (5–7.6 cm) across, are rosy-purple to magenta-pink, each petal bearing a distinctive dark maroon to blackish-purple basal blotch approximately 0.5–0.75 inches (1.3–1.9 cm) wide, encircling a dense cluster of yellow stamens. The combination of the magenta-pink petals and large dark blotches is the most reliable identification feature. Flowers open singly for one day, with petals falling by afternoon.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height3' - 5'

Width/Spread3' - 5'

Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years

Colors

Flower Colors

purple

pink

magenta

Foliage Colors

gray green

sage green

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~8 weeks

SpringSummer

May through July in most Mediterranean and Pacific Coast climates; peak bloom occurs in late May and June. In warmer zones (9–10), bloom may begin in April. Individual flowers last one day, opening in morning and shedding petals by late afternoon or evening. Peak display period extends 6–8 weeks as buds open sequentially. Bloom duration is shorter in cool coastal fog climates and may be reduced in years with late spring cold snaps.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Rosy-purple to magenta-pink with dark maroon basal blotches

Foliage Description

Sage-green to gray-green, rugose surface

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

Drainage

well 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

Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system; once established, plants require little to no supplemental irrigation in climates with winter or spring rainfall. Avoid watering during the summer dry season once established, as excessive summer moisture increases root rot risk significantly. Do not transplant once the root system is established; transplanting after the first growing season causes high plant mortality. Avoid heavy clay soils or any situation with standing water — roots are highly susceptible to Phytophthora root rot in poorly drained soils. Fertilization is generally unnecessary and may shorten plant lifespan; plants perform best in lean, low-nutrient soils. Plants decline and should be replaced after 7–15 years, as they do not regenerate well from old wood.

Pruning

Prune lightly immediately after flowering in July, removing up to one-third of the current season's growth to maintain compact habit and prevent legginess. Do not cut into old wood, as Cistus does not regenerate from old stems and hard pruning below the green leafy wood will kill the branch. Deadheading spent flowers is not necessary or practical given the volume of daily bloom drop. Plants that have become very woody at the base and open in the center are past prime and are typically replaced rather than rejuvenated.

Pruning Schedule

summer

Maintenance Level

low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic