Cistus x pulverulentus 'Sunset'

Common name: Rock Rose 'Sunset'

Description: This stunning Mediterranean evergreen shrub produces an exceptional display of vibrant magenta-pink flowers throughout early and mid-summer, each bloom featuring a central boss of golden stamens. The single flowers, reminiscent of wild roses, appear in such profusion that they can almost completely cover the plant, creating a spectacular show of colour. Each delicate, papery flower lasts only a day, but new blooms open continuously over many weeks. The small, grey-green aromatic leaves are covered in fine hairs that give them a soft, silvery appearance, and the foliage releases a pleasant resinous fragrance on warm days. The compact, spreading habit and dense evergreen foliage make this excellent for ground cover, the front of sunny borders, or coastal gardens. This is an exceptionally drought-tolerant shrub once established, thriving in hot, dry positions where many plants struggle. The combination of profuse flowering, aromatic foliage, and minimal maintenance requirements makes this invaluable for Mediterranean-style gardens, gravel gardens, or wildlife-friendly plantings.

Other benefits: profuse flowering, aromatic foliage, exceptionally drought tolerant, fast-growing, low maintenance, excellent for coastal gardens, good ground cover

Wildlife attraction: bees, butterflies, pollinators

Height & spread (approx.) at 10 years: 0.6m x 1m

Position: full sun essential; thrives in hot, dry positions

Soil pH: adaptable to most soils; performs best in neutral to alkaline conditions

Moisture: low watering required; highly drought tolerant once established; must have excellent drainage; dislikes winter wet

Winter hardiness: hardy to -10°C; dislikes cold, wet conditions more than dry cold