Cistus purpureus ‘Orchid Rockrose’
Cistus purpureus ‘Orchid Rockrose’
One of the showiest and hardiest of Rockroses, Cistus purpureus is a hybridized perennial that has embraced the best qualities of its two parents, C. ladanifer and C. criticus. It grows 4-6 feet tall x 4-5 feet wide, with dark green foliage and 3” magenta-rose flowers that have a deep burgundy spot on each petal base. The bright golden-yellow stamens attract a wide variety of beneficial pollinators.
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‘Orchid Rockrose’ is a durable evergreen shrub that is tolerant of a wide variety of growing conditions. It can handle the wind and salt-spray of a seaside garden as well as hot dry conditions of an inland landscape.
Cistus purpureus puts out an abundance of blooms over a long season and creates an outstanding natural screen. Use it on banks, borders, or slopes. Companion plant with other Mediterranean climate plants for an attractive and low-maintenance garden. After rigorous trials and assessments, it was recognized for its outstanding landscape performance by the Royal Horticultural Society, when it was given the “RHS Award of Garden Merit”.
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Cistus purpureus is cold hardy to 15°F, and the Sunset Climate Zones are 3b, - 9, 14 – 24. An added bonus is that it’s fairly deer tolerant. Plant in full sun, in well-drained soil. We are currently growing Cistus purpureus ‘Orchid Rockrose’ in one gallon containers. Follow us on Instagram @clearwatercolornursery to see daily life around our nursery.
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