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Cistus x purpureus

Image of Cistus x purpureus

James Burghardt

Family

Cistaceae

Botanical Name

Cistus x purpureus

Plant Common Name

Purple Rockrose

General Description

The under-used and appreciated purple rockrose is a compact, shrubby perennial with narrow, soft green leaves. In spring and early summer, single papery lavender-pink flowers appear. These are rose-like and graced with large maroon blotches at the base of each petal.

Drought and heat-tolerant, this showy hybrid does best in full sun and average soil with good drainage. Prune plants in spring to remove damaged branches and control their growth and shape. Purple rockrose is perfect for dry rock garden, and maritime landscapes. It is also touted to be deer resistant.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    10 - 8

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    7 - 10

  • Sunset Zone

    11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Shrub

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun

  • Height

    24"-48" / 61.0cm - 121.9cm

  • Width

    36"-48" / 91.4cm - 121.9cm

  • Bloom Time

    Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer, Summer

  • Native To

    Hybrid Origin

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Neutral, Alkaline

  • Soil Drainage

    Poorly Drained

  • Soil type

    Clay, Loam, Sand

  • Tolerances

    Drought, Salt

  • Growth Rate

    Medium

  • Water Requirements

    Drought Tolerant, Average Water

  • Habit

    Oval/Rounded

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    Pink, Lavender, Plum

  • Flower Color Modifier

    Bicolor

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Green, Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Green, Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Green

  • Bark Color

    Tan

  • Fragrant Flowers

    Yes

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    Yes

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    No

  • Foliage Texture

    Fine

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    Yes

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Bark Texture

    Smooth

  • Usage

    Bedding Plant, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Attracts

    Butterflies

  • Self-Sowing

    No