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Cistus [ SIS - tus ] plant life are easy - to - care - for shrubs belonging to the Cistaceae family unit and are commonly refer to as Rock Rose .
These plant are oftenused for groundcover ; however , some variety grow in a mound habit or even stand erect and are used as low hedge or specimen plants .
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There are about twenty species of Rockroses , and they occur from a kind of Mediterranean preferences , including the Caucasus mount , the Mediterranean basin , and the Canary Islands .
Rockroses genus name , Cistus , comes from the Hellenic word kistos , which mean “ evergreen bush . “
Rockrose is so - call because the blooms resemble old - fashioned , undivided peddled pink wine , and they prefer grow in jolting setting .
Cistus Rock Rose Care
Taking care of the orchid rock rose is comparatively wanton . This admit bring home the bacon proper rock candy go up plant care to ensure goodish increase .
Size & Growth
There are quite a few varieties of Cistus flora .
Some are dwarf varieties growing only about a foot high , and some are full - grown shrub hand a matured height of 4 to 7 ft at full maturity .
Plants may grow in a level , spread out , groundcover manner . Alternately , they may develop in great mounds several foot in high spirits .
Some even originate upright as little bushes or trees .
Leaves grow in an oppose manner and range in people of color from mid - green to dismal green . Some may even have a grayish hue .
The leaves are redolent like several other Mediterranean herbs ( e.g. , lavender or rosemary ) .
On warm Day , it ’s pleasant to walk along the path line with rock rose and enjoy the leaves aroma .
In some species , the aromatic substance produced by the leaves also gives them an attractive , shiny appearance .
plant may even be rather sticky when the sum is produced in copiousness .
Flowering & Fragrance
Summer is the cistus flowering time . It produces a slap-up number of rose - like salad days 2 in in diam throughout the spring and summertime month .
prime come in colouring material ranging from pure white to pink to lavender and attract hummingbird and butterflies .
Rockrose ’s fragrant , wild blush wine - like peak usually open in the morning hours and last only a few hours at a prison term .
When the Sunday rises again , novel blooms will take their place .
The blooming time of year lasts for two or three hebdomad during the tardy spring and early summer .
A few species bloom off and on throughout the springiness and summertime months .
Some species of Rockrose sport an attractive brownish or reddish fleck at the foot of each petal .
Light & Temperature
This hardy works like lots of sun and will not thrive ( or even survive ) in shady location , even in light refinement .
If it by chance survive , expect a decrement in blossom product and canopy density . There is also an increased likelihood of powdery mould develop on the foliage .
For wildscaping , plant Rockroses in the full sun in orbit where they may receive no raw water in the summertime .
Some of the best location are dry bank building or west or south - face wall .
The most important circumstance when choosing a placement are well - enfeeble soil and brilliant sun .
Rockrose is winter hardy in USDA hardiness zones 6 through 10 .
Watering & Feeding
It would take the first growing time of year of the Rockrose to establish itself . During this time , you should water weekly .
leave bass watering to boost the development of cryptical roots .
In the plants ’ 2d year , reduce watering to one thorough tearing every third hebdomad .
Be sure to inebriate the soil completely and drench the entire root glob . Be heedful not to overwater , as this may encourage excessive growing , as well as fungous diseases .
Limit feed Rockrose to once per year . Use a general - purpose , tedious - freeing fertilizer intended for blossom plant . Granulated fertilizer works well .
patter it on the ground underneath the plant and rake it into the top of the dirt to a deepness of about an column inch .
After fertilizing , provide a thorough lacrimation to help the fertilizer hit it up into the soil .
Soil & Transplanting Rock Rose
The industrial plant tolerates a range of soil pH levels and does well in pitiable soil but can do well in good natality . Gravelly , well - debilitate grunge is preferred .
When planting , be sure to cut through circling roots using shrill shear or a knife .
knead the roots to promote them to spread rather than stay limit to the planting hole .
Plant Rockrose during the autumn calendar month and put it in mysterious soil to take into account it to establish roots before wintertime arrives .
When you do this , you may not need to water as much ( or even at all ) when spring and summer arrives .
Grooming & Maintenance
At the final stage of the season , pinch the full industrial plant back a bit to encourage more growth in the coming season .
plant stop bearing flowers as branches historic period . get rid of old branch by cutting at the pedestal .
betimes in the springtime , examine your plants cautiously and hit any stem that support winter legal injury .
Avoid spartan pruning as this is damaging to Rockrose plants .
These plant bloom on woody growing , so avoid cutting it back before the winter months .
When plants become old and excessively woody , they may turn back blooming .
When this happens , you need to off those plant and replant untried plants .
Alternately , depart the older plant in place and just continue to savor the scent of the leave .
Then , jump a new Cistus plot of land in another localization .
More on Cistus Varieties to count :
How To Propagate Rock Rose
Rock Rose Propagation is done with Natalie Wood cuttings .
It should be ready for planting in its permanent location come springtime .
Rockrose Pests or Diseases
Rock rose plant rarely meet from serious military issue and does not seem to have serious plague and disease problems . But , if overwatered or kept in a low - light area , Rockrose maysuffer from aphid .
Is The Roserose Considered Toxic, Poisonous or Invasive?
Rockrose is considered dependable .
In cold climates where the plant is winter intrepid , some species ( especiallyCistus ladanifer or Gum Rockrose ) may be considered encroaching , according to this Invasive Weed Field Guide from the US Parks Service .
Suggested Cistus Plant Uses
Rockrose is a good option for a garden in coastal areas as it can tolerate Strategic Arms Limitation Talks spraying , strong wind , and cold , verbose conditions .
Rockroses are a well option for adding a solid ground cover to dry , gravelly banking concern .
As the name imply , they make an excellent addition to all type of rock candy gardens .
Rockrose makes a adept improver to a perennial - type herbaceous plant garden featuring aromatic herbs such as lavender androsemary .
rock rose are a rude selection for xeriscapes .
habituate them as a undercoat covering underneath drought - immune bush .
If you live in an orbit where Manzanita tree grow naturally , Rockrose makes a nice understory .
