A large growing improved rockrose with huge white flowers with a large red basal blotch on each petal. Deep green foliage takes on maroon tints in cold weather. To 4′ tall and 6′ wide forming a dense outline. Blooms May to July in a daily procession of flowers. Each blossom is 3″ across. Excellent cold hardiness to 5ºF or lower- adaptable to the coldest western Oregon gardens. Grows quickly in average, well drained soil Avoid overly enriched sites which will decrease cold hardiness and lead to rank growth. Lean conditions produce the most dense and cold hardy shrub. Great for rough areas in the back ground. Completely drought adapted- no summer water required. Give it room to spread. I’ve had great success with this shrub on a hillside of rocky clay soil that is strictly unwatered in summer. It and all Cistus present the ability to compete with invasive weeds such as introduced grasses. These invasives quickly out compete many things, but not Cistus. Water deep and infrequently or once established not at all. Rock roses can be prone to breaking in ice/snow. Usually, it is just cosmetic and the plant recovers. Our selections we have observed through many snow events (including a 16″ fall in 2008) and have observed no breakage. One of the very best Cistus selections.
