Rockrose

Fri, 10/22/2010 - 3:55pm — Kathy Ormiston

Photo Credit:

Kathy Ormiston, PADG

Botanical Name:

Cistus x pulverulentus ‘Sunset’

Pronunciation:

(SIS-tus pul-ver-oo-LEN-tus)

Common Name:

Rockrose

Plant Type:

Shrub

Mature Size:

2 ft. tall and 6 - 8 ft. wide

Water Requirements:

Low: water every 3 weeks until the root ball is wet

Sun/Shade Requirements:

Full sun

Flower Color :

Hot pink

Wildlife:

This plant is deer resistant

This hot pink rockrose was a long blooming, low growing shrub in our water wise garden until it got crushed by a Teucrium. Even though we had to remove it, we will be looking for a new spot to showcase this reliable performer.

There are a number of different rockrose cultivars. Some grow up to 6 feet, some have white flowers, and others have lavender flowers.

Rockrose thrives in hot, dry areas. It likes well draining soil and will quickly die if overwatered. You can prune this plant to shape it, but don't cut into the wood because it may not resprout.