purple-flowered rock rose
Cistus purpureus
RHS AGM 1993
USDA zones7 to 10
SunNeeds full sun (6+ hours)
WaterNeeds dry soil
Size4 to 6 feet tall4 to 6 feet wide
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Purple-flowered rock rose (Cistus purpureus) is a shrub for borders, containers, and xeriscape gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 7, or down to 0°F (-18°C). This plant likes full sun and dry soil of most types. It blooms in spring and again in summer, and butterflies visit the flowers. The evergreen shrub takes drought and salt well. Deer tend to pass it by.
Pairs well with Anouk Spanish lavender, Elfin mother of thyme, and Italian cypress.
Native range
Europe and Africa.