Cistus salviifolius - Rockrose

Cistus salviifolius, also known as Sage-leaved Rock-rose, is a relatively hardy botanic species, withstanding temperatures as low as -12° C to -15° C (10.4° F to 5° F). It shows good tolerance to shaded exposures, even in a dry undergrowth with a soil populated with roots. This elegant shrub shows highly ramified growth, forming a spreading dense ball-shaped habit. It bears small, rough, evergreen leaves, of a dark greyish green. In spring, it produces soft, ivory-white flowers reminiscent of wild roses.

Cistus salviifolius belongs to the Cistaceae family. It is native to the Mediterranean basin and the Caucasus and shows a fairly variable aspect in nature. It is a small ramified bush that will reach 90 cm to 1 m ((2.9 ft to 3.3 ft) in height, with a spread of 1.1 m to 1.2 m  (3.6 ft to 3.9 ft), or more on mature subjects. Its growth is quite slow. The plant ages relatively well and lasts 10 to 12 years. Flowering takes place in spring or early summer (from April to June) depending on the climate, and lasts about a month. The almost white flowers, in well-opened round corollas, measure 4 cm to 5 cm (1.6 in to 2 in) in diameter, and are enhanced at the heart by numerous bright yellow stamens. They only live for a day, covering the ground with their petals in the late afternoon, but will already be replaced the next morning. The evergreen foliage is composed of leaves that resemble those of officinal sage. They are rounded, strongly wrinkled and deeply veined, with a light fuzz on the surface, and of a fairly dark greenish-grey colour.

This charming shrub for poor soils can be used in beds, rockeries, and on the edge of clear undergrowth with Phlomis samia, periwinkles, Acanthes and Geranium macrorrhizum. It is perfectly adapted to drought and is resistant to sea spray. It will excel in a rocky or sandy garden, where few plants grow. Create an evergreen bed to accompany your rock-rose, by mixing the foliage and scents of lavenders, rosemarys, teucriums and thymes. Add Californian poppies, a creeping rose (Rosa Grouse) and dry terrain euphorbias for some dynamism in your compositions. You can plant it in well-drained ground almost anywhere. However, in cold regions, plant in containers. Ensure the pot is well-drained and water abundantly but carefully space each watering out, letting the substrate dry between two waterings.