Cistus lusitanicus Decumbens - Rockrose

Cistus x lusitanicus 'Decumbens' is a spontaneous hybrid of two different cistus species, forming a low and compact evergreen bush which is quite wide, with small oblong, narrow, dark green, sticky leaves. It offers an abundance of crumpled flowers with pure white petals, enhanced by a bristling heart of long golden stamens, surrounded by small crimson to purple-brown spots. Eacg lasting only one day, its delicate flowers tirelessly repeat from May to July. It is resistant to temperatures down to -10°C (14 °F), especially in well-drained and dry conditions. It is a perfect choice for decorating a rockery or a Mediterranean bed, even in rocky and poor soils under a scorching exposure where its foliage will be even more fragrant.

Cistus x lusitanicus 'Decumbens', also known as Cistus x dansereaui 'Decumbens', is a spontaneous hybrid between Cistus x hirsutus and Cistus ladanifer, from which an aromatic substance called labdanum is extracted and widely used in perfumery and aromatherapy. This highly branched shrub forms a dense, squat and spreading ball, reaching about 80 cm (31.5 in) in height and 1 m (3.3ft) in width. Flowering occurs before the summer period of drought and heat, from May to June-July, depending on the climate. It bears ephemeral flowers measuring 4 to 5 cm (1.6 to 2 in) in diameter, wach consisting of 5 slightly crumpled, pure white petals. The base of each petal is marked with a purple-brown to crimson-red spot, while the heart of the flower is occupied by a cluster of golden stamens. Each flower disappears in the late afternoon, releasing a shower of petals on the ground. But the buds are countless, ensuring a 3-week flowering period. The flowering gives way to fruits that open towards the sky, like small baskets filled with seeds. Its leaves are evergreen, elongated, narrow, dark green, sticky and fragrant in warm weather. The root system of this cistus is both deep and branching, so powerful that it manages to penetrate between fractured rocks to draw the slightest trace of moisture from the depths.

Cistus x lusitanicus 'Decumbens' is a rockery and poor soil plant, perfectly adapted to drought: its fragile flowers hide a strong temperament and robustness. Create a dry bed, evoking the scrubland, by mixing the foliage and scents of lavender (blue, white, pink), rosemary (creeping or upright), thyme (T.vulgaris, T. polytrichus), sage (Salvia x jamensis or officinalis), oregano, teucriums (T.chamaedrys, T. x lucidrys, T. hircanicum), Californian poppies, catmints, ballotes and dry soil euphorbias (E.characias, E. cyparissias). Cultivation in large pots is possible, by providing adequate drainage and abundant but infrequent watering in summer, allowing the substrate to dry between waterings.