Cistus x corbariensis - Rockrose

Cistus x corbariensis is an evergreen Mediterranean shrub of hybrid origin perfectly adapted to dry and poor soils. It is also one of the hardiest in its genus, which allows it to be adopted well beyond its original area, and even on the edge of woodlands in very well-drained soil. It is a small bushy shrub, forming a perfectly regular dome adorned with dark and rough leaves. Spring covers it with an abundance of small white corollas illuminated by a small yellow centre. They only last for a day, but are constantly renewed for about 3 weeks in spring. The rockroses clearly express the spirit of the scrubland; to succeed in their cultivation, it is necessary to offer them what they like: a poor, well-drained, dry soil in summer, and a position sheltered from the icy winds.

Cistus x hybridus var. corbariensis is a spontaneous hybrid between C. populifolius var. populifolius x C. salviifolius, two species belonging to the family of rockroses, which are found in the wild in the rocky scrublands of the Corbières. It can be found growing abundantly near Fontfroide Abbey, in the Aude department. This sturdy and highly branched shrub reaches an average height of 80cm (31.5in) with a width of 1m (3ft 4in). The very abundant flowering takes place before the period of drought and summer heat, from April to June depending on the climate. At the end of the branches, reddish-purple flower buds appear grouped in 2 or 3, which open into small single flowers measuring 4cm (1.6in) in diameter, formed by 5 slightly undulated white petals. The heart of the flower is occupied by a bouquet of golden yellow stamens. Each flower disappears in the late afternoon, releasing a shower of petals on the ground. But the buds are countless, guaranteeing a flowering that lasts 3 weeks. The flowering gives way to fruits resembling small baskets, filled with seeds. Its leaves are evergreen, measuring 3 to 5cm (1.2 to 2in) in length, with undulated edges and rough to the touch. They are a beautiful dark green in summer, and take on pretty violet hues in winter. The root system of this rockrose is both deep and branching, it is so powerful that it manages to wedge itself between fractured rocks to draw the slightest trace of moisture from deep down, while its surface roots capture the moisture from the soil. Its lifespan varies between 12 and 15 years in the garden.

The Corbières rockrose is a plant for rock gardens and poor soils, perfectly adapted to drought: its fragile flowers hide a strong temperament and a robustness that withstands any test. Create a bed, evoking the scrubland, by mixing the foliage and scents of lavender (blue, white, pink), rosemary (creeping or upright), thymes (T.vulgaris, T. polytrichus), salvias (Salvia x jamensis or officinalis), oreganos, teucriums (T.chamaedrys, T. x lucidrys, T. hircanicum), Californian poppies, catmints, ballota and dry-loving euphorbias (E.characias, E. cyparissias). Cultivation in large pots is possible, by ensuring good drainage and providing abundant but infrequent watering during summer, allowing the substrate to completely dry out between waterings.