ShrubsThe gum rockrose is an aromatic evergreen shrub from the Mediterranean with sticky, resin-scented leaves and large, papery white flowers with a striking dark blotch at the base of each petal. Each flower opens for just one day, but the plant produces new buds for weeks through May and June.
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Characteristics
- Sun
- Full sun
- Water
- Low
- Height
- 100–200 cm
- Spread
- 100–150 cm
- Hardiness zone
- 8–10
- Family
- Cistaceae
- Evergreen
- Yes
- Flower colors
- white
- Wildlife value
- bees, butterflies
Bloom period
Care guide
Plant in full sun in poor, well-drained soil. Once established, very little watering is needed. Tolerates heat, drought and coastal winds superbly. Do not feed — rich soil leads to floppy, sparse growth. Protect with fleece in harsh winters.
Pruning tips
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape. Avoid cutting into old, bare wood — cistus will not reshoot from it. Replace ageing plants rather than pruning them hard.
Good companions
ShrubsLavandula angustifolia
English Lavender
Lavender is a beloved herb with aromatic silver-green foliage and purple-blue flower spikes. This evergreen plant blooms profusely from June to August and is remarkably drought-tolerant, attracting butterflies and bees to the garden.
ShrubsSantolina chamaecyparissus
Cotton Lavender
Cotton lavender is a compact, silvery dwarf shrub with finely divided, aromatic foliage and round, button-like yellow flowers from June to August. The silver-grey leaves form dense, dome-shaped cushions that remain decorative even outside the flowering season. Excellent as a low hedge, border edging or in a herb garden.
TreesOlea europaea
Olive Tree
The olive tree is a majestic, long-lived tree with distinctive silver-green foliage and a gnarled trunk that grows increasingly characterful with age. In warm climates it produces edible olives following a modest white bloom in June. As a container plant it can bring Mediterranean charm to cooler regions too.
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