Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

cistus incanus plant

The Cistus incanus plant, also known as the Pink Rock Rose, is a Mediterranean shrub prized for its beautiful silvery foliage and abundant pink flowers. With origins in the rocky hillsides of Southern Europe, this hardy perennial is a favourite among New Zealand gardeners seeking drought-tolerant, low-maintenance plants that add vibrant colour to borders, coastal gardens, and dry slopes. Cistus incanus is not only captivating in looks but also highly adaptable, thriving in full sun, poor soils, and exposed sites—perfect for our local climate. Discover how the Cistus incanus plant can enhance your garden, its practical uses, and tips for growing and caring for this exquisite shrub.

Cistus incanus

Cistus incanus, Incanus Cistus, Cistus Tee, Cistus Tea, Rockrose Tea, Cistus Rock Rose Tea, Cistus incanus Tea, Cistus incanus LR, Incanus

Cistus incanus, commonly known as the Pink Rock Rose, is grown for its pretty flowers which have a paper like appearance. It bears masses of bright pink flowers from spring through summer above the grey-green foliage. It typically grows to 1 m tall and the same wide. Cistus incanus is commonly used to add interest and texture to the garden. It is great for including in a mixed planting, planting as a backdrop for smaller plants, growing around outdoor living areas such as pools and the like, including in cottage gardens, or for using in the drier parts of the garden.

Cistus incanus pink flowers and green foliage.
  • Suited to regions:
    Subtropical, Temperate
  • Plant type:
    Shrubs
  • Height:
    1.00 m
  • Spread:
    1.00 m
  • Flowering time:
    Spring, Autumn, Winter
  • Tolerances:
    Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
  • Garden uses:
    Borders, Paths & Steps
  • Garden styles:
    Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Cottage, Frontyard, Mediterranean, Modern, Rock
Cistus 'Brilliancy' plant with pink flowers and green foliage.
Most Popular

Cistus 'Brilliancy' (Rock Rose)

Cistus ‘Brilliancy’ is a vibrant evergreen shrub celebrated for its striking crimson-pink flowers, each with a yellow centre, blooming profusely in...

From$24.23
An elegant Cistus lusitanicus white flower with red spots.
Most Popular

Cistus lusitanicus (Rock Rose)

Cistus lusitanicus, commonly known as the Gum Cistus, is a striking evergreen shrub valued for its large, white blooms marked with deep crimson spots...

From$24.23
cistus-pink-ice-
Most Popular

Cistus Pink Ice (Pink Rock Rose)

Cistus Pink Ice, commonly known as Pink Rock Rose, is grown for its pretty flowers which have a paper like appearance. It bears masses of pink...

From$24.23
Cistus salviifolius plant with lush green foliage and elegant, white flowers.
Most Popular

Cistus salviifolius

Cistus salviifolius is a low growing shrub featuring dark green foliage and lovely flowers. Pure white flowers with yellow bases are borne from late...

From$24.23
White flowers on a Cistus 'Snowmound' plant with green foliage.
Most Popular

Cistus 'Snowmound' (White Rock Rose Plant)

Cistus ‘Snowmound’ is a compact evergreen shrub that produces a breathtaking display of pure white flowers with golden-yellow centres from late...

From$24.23
azalea-guanda-pink--2
Most Popular

Azalea 'Guanda Pink'

Azalea 'Guanda Pink' is a beautiful evergreen azalea prized for its soft pink flowers that appear in abundance during spring. The delicate blooms sit...

From$26.93
camellia-japonica-maroon-and-gold-2
Most Popular

Camellia 'Maroon and Gold'

Camellia 'Maroon and Gold' is a striking evergreen shrub admired for its deep maroon red blooms highlighted with golden stamens and glossy dark green...

From$33.68
Large Coprosma virescens shrub with brown stems and green leaves.
Most Popular

Coprosma virescens (Mikimiki)

Coprosma virescens, also known as Mingimingi or Mikimiki, is a distinctive New Zealand native shrub characterised by its dense, divaricating form...

From$21.53
leptospermum-wiri-shelley-
Most Popular

Leptospermum Wiri Shelley

Leptospermum Wiri Shelly is a variety of Manuka grown for its amazing flowering. It produces masses of single, light pink flowers with a dark centre...

From$26.93
Pseudopanax lessonii lush, green foliage.
Most Popular

Pseudopanax lessonii (Coastal Five Finger)

Pseudopanax lessonii, commonly known as Five-Finger or Houpara, is a lush, native New Zealand shrub or small tree prized for its tropical appearance...

From$26.93
Cistus incanus

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring Cistus or Evergreen Shrubs.

Search Cistus incanus

Characteristics and appeal

The Cistus incanus plant is renowned for its silky, grey-green foliage and delicate pink blooms that arrive in late spring and summer. The crinkled petals—often described as "tissue paper-like"—are its signature feature, opening up each morning and falling by evening, just as new buds appear. This creates a continuous, cheerful display in your garden. Mature plants typically reach 1 metre tall and wide, making them excellent for creating informal hedges and filling sunny spots. Their resilience against dry winds and salt spray makes them particularly suitable for coastal gardens and exposed areas.

Growing Cistus incanus plant in New Zealand

To successfully grow a Cistus incanus plant, choose a spot in full sun with well-drained soil. These shrubs dislike heavy, wet ground—raised beds or sandy soils work best. Once established, the Cistus incanus plant requires very little water and thrives on neglect, making it ideal for gardeners seeking easy-care, eco-friendly planting. Minimal feeding is needed; avoid high nitrogen fertilisers, which encourage lush growth at the expense of flowering. Occasional light pruning after flowering helps maintain a neat shape and encourages bushier growth.

Uses in landscaping and companion plants

The Cistus incanus plant is perfect for rock gardens, mixed shrub borders, and Mediterranean-themed landscapes. It pairs beautifully with other drought-resistant species such as Cistus 'Brilliancy' (Rock Rose), whose vibrant red flowers offer striking contrast. For a white accent, consider Cistus 'Snowmound' (White Rock Rose Plant) or the elegant Cistus lusitanicus (Rock Rose). If you prefer softer, silvery foliage, Cistus salviifolius and Cistus Pink Ice (Pink Rock Rose) also make excellent choices. These companion plants all share similar cultural requirements, so grouping them will ensure a harmonious, sustainable planting scheme.

Additional shrub options and garden inspiration

For gardeners looking to expand their collection, consider blending Cistus incanus with New Zealand natives and other sun-loving shrubs like Leptospermum Starry Night, Alseuosmia macrophylla, or Pittosporum Little Burger (Dwarf Pittosporum) for year-round texture and structure. For a stunning winter display, Camellia 'Quintessence' and Garrya elliptica James Roof (James Roof) add valuable interest and diversity to your landscape.

Care tips and garden benefits

With its tolerance for dry conditions and minimal upkeep, the Cistus incanus plant is a sustainable favourite for eco-friendly gardens. Its nectar-rich flowers attract pollinators, while its ability to withstand challenging environments makes it a reliable choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners. Add the Cistus incanus plant to your garden for lasting beauty and resilience.


Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

Rosmarinus prostratus (Creeping Rosemary) and Griselinia 'Canterbury' have stood the test of time, but new generations of gardeners are discovering Grevillea Fireworks, Tabebuia rosea, and Fig Mrs Williams.
–The Plant Company

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.8

445 Google reviews