Cistus x skanbergii - Rockrose

Cistus x skanbergii is a compact, dense and rounded cistus, particularly floriferous in spring. It is the natural hybrid between Cistus monspeliensis and C. parviflorus, two widespread species in Cyprus. Its vigour and robustness even seem to allow it to supplant its two parents in nature, by taking possession of the land. This shrub, which forms a grey-green ball, disappears in May-June under a multitude of pale pink flowers, whose small size is largely compensated by their number. Enthusiasts of these Mediterranean shrubs can use it to embellish their rock garden in the most beautiful way.

Cistus x skanbergii is a plant from the family of cistaceae, which is found in the wild on the rocky and limestone slopes of the Akamas Peninsula in Cyprus. This highly branched shrub forms a flat and dense ball, 80cm (31.5in) tall and 1m (3ft 4in) wide. The flowering takes place before the period of drought and summer heat, from May to June-July, depending on the climate. It bears fleeting flowers, 3cm (1.2in) in diameter, formed by 5 slightly crumpled petals, a tender pink with a silvery touch and salmon highlights. The heart of the flower is occupied by a bunch of golden 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 more than a month. The flowering gives way to fruits that open towards the sky, like small baskets filled with seeds. Its leaves are evergreen, small, narrow and elongated, green but covered with grey velvet. The root system of this cistus is both deep and branching, it is so powerful that it manages to penetrate between fractured rocks to draw the slightest trace of moisture from the depths. It is hardy down to -10/-12°C (14/10.4°F) in well-drained soil.

Cistus x skanbergii tolerates limestone well and withstands summer drought. Well adapted to rocky soils, it requires heat, sun, and soil which is very well-drained and dry in summer. It is an excellent rock garden plant and thrives in poor, even limestone soils: its delicate flowers hide an unbeatable robustness. Create a garden evoking the scrubland, by mixing the foliage and scents of lavender (blue, white, pink), rosemary (creeping or erect), thyme (T.vulgaris, T. polytrichus), sage (Salvia x jamensis or officinalis), oregano, teucriums (T.chamaedrys, T. x lucidrys, T. hircanicum), California poppies, catmint, ballota and dryland euphorbias (E.characias, E. cyparissias). It can also be grown in large pots, with careful drainage and infrequent but abundant watering in summer, allowing the substrate to dry out between waterings.