Botanical Name: Cistus purpureus
Common Name: Orchid rockrose Type of Plant: dicot: shrub Character evergreen Habit of Growth: Overall Shape a low, fairly wide-spreading plant, with many slender stems forming a loosely rounded shape when young – becomes more dense and mounded with age Height 2-3' (4') Spread equal or more Growth Rate moderate Environment: Exposure outdoors requires full sun at coastal locations; can tolerate shade Soil prefers dry, well-draining habitats; avoid wet clay soils Hardiness hardy (zones 11-24); best in sunny dry locales Morphology: Leaves pinnate, opposite (on thin stems), narrowly elliptic-oblong; rather boat-shaped, dark green above, paler beneath, with wavy margins Flowers rose-orchid to lavender, large and showy, with 5 papery petals – each having a deep red-maroon spot at the base, numerous stamens Fruit a small papery capsule Propagation: seed or softwood cuttings Usage: a highly valued filler for hot dry landscapes, producing a profusion of flowers; excellent in mass-plantings on slopes, raised planters, etc. where tolerance of heat is needed; mixes well with California native species Landscape Care: Watering an infrequent deep-soak irrigation during 1st year; needs very little water after establishment Fertilizing little needed Pruning selectively head back after blooming; leggy if over-watered Pests/Diseases relatively free - root rot in poorly drained locations Special Conditions/Other requires full sun for best flowering Origin: Southern Europe Family: Cistaceae Notes: |
Your pictures go here |