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cistus nz

Discover the beauty and resilience of cistus in NZ gardens. Also known as rock roses, cistus are Mediterranean shrubs famed for their dazzling, papery flowers and tough, drought-hardy nature. Perfectly suited to New Zealand’s varied climate—especially coastal, dry, and windy locations—cistus offer year-round structure, masses of spring blooms, and trouble-free performance. Whether you’re looking for a low-maintenance shrub for a sunny border or a standout feature in coastal landscaping, cistus in NZ provide texture, colour, and Mediterranean charm with minimal fuss.

Cistus 'Bennetts White' white flower.

Cistus 'Bennetts White' (White Rock Rose)

Cistus ‘Bennetts White’ is an attractive evergreen shrub known for its crisp white flowers with a yellow centre, blooming abundantly in late spring and early summer. The blooms contrast beautifully with the aromatic grey-green foliage, creating a fresh, clean display.

From $24.77

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 1.50 m
Spread: 1.50 m
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy
Garden uses: Containers, Living areas, Patios, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Modern, Rock
Cistus salviifolius plant with lush green foliage and elegant, white flowers.

Cistus salviifolius

Cistus salviifolius is a hardy evergreen shrub admired for its attractive grey green foliage and masses of crisp white flowers with bright yellow centres that appear through spring and early summer. This drought tolerant Mediterranean plant forms a naturally rounded habit and performs well in challenging conditions.

From $24.77

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 60 cm
Spread: 80 cm
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses: Borders, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Rock
White flowers on a Cistus 'Snowmound' plant with green foliage.
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$24.77
A large Metrosideros 'Maori Princess' trees in an avenue with masses of red flowers.
Metrosideros 'Maori Princess'

Metrosideros 'Maori Princess' is a stunning cultivar of the NZ Christmas tree (Pohutukawa) and is renowned for its brilliant crimson-red flowers and...

From$30.29
Metrosideros excelsa (Pohutukawa) specimen tree with masses of red flowers in a coastal location.
Metrosideros excelsa (Pōhutukawa)

Metrosideros excelsa, commonly known as Pōhutukawa or the New Zealand Christmas Tree, is a coastal evergreen renowned for its brilliant red flowers...

From$30.29
Disphyma australe pink flowers and fleshy, green leaves.
Disphyma australe (NZ Ice Plant)

Disphyma australe, commonly known as NZ Ice Plant, is a hardy and attractive groundcover valued for its fleshy, bright green foliage and striking...

From$19.50
Poa cita grass plants on a plateau overlooing the sea.
Poa cita

Poa cita, commonly known as Silver Tussock, is a clump-forming NZ native grass with delicate, green foliage that wafts gracefully in the breeze. It...

From$9.95
A 'Fukumoto' Orange tree with orange fruit.
Orange 'Fukumoto'

How to grow Orange ‘Fukumoto’ in NZ

From$329.95
Coprosma kirkii 'Variegata' plants in pots.
Coprosma kirkii 'variegata'

Coprosma kirkii 'Variegata' is a hardy NZ native groundcover shrub admired for its trailing habit and attractive variegated foliage of green edged...

From$17.95
Pittosporum 'Irish Luck' plant for sale at The Plant Company nursery.
Pittosporum 'Irish Luck'

Pittosporum 'Irish Luck' is a hardy evergreen shrub known for its dense, bright green foliage and tidy growth habit. This versatile plant is well...

From$22.01
A Myrtus ugni (Chilean Guava) plant with small green leaves and red berries.
Myrtus ugni

Myrtus ugni (Chilean Guava, New Zealand Cranberry) is a compact evergreen shrub prized for its glossy foliage, delicate white flowers, and sweet...

From$12.95
syagrus-romanzoffiana-
Syagrus romanzoffiana (Queen Palm)

Syagrus romanzoffiana (Queen Palm) is a graceful, fast growing palm known for its arching fronds and tropical appearance. This elegant tree adds...

From$202.44
Metrosideros 'Lighthouse' plant with red flowers and olive-green foliage.
Metrosideros 'Lighthouse'

Metrosideros 'Lighthouse' is a compact and hardy NZ native shrub renowned for its vibrant red flowers that burst into colour during summer. Its...

From$515.35
strelitzia-nicolai-
Strelitzia nicolai (White Bird Of Paradise Plant)

Strelitzia nicolai (Giant White Bird Of Paradise) is a bold, architectural plant known for its large banana like leaves and striking white and blue...

From$44.09
Leptospermum Nanum Ruru shrub with dark pink flowers.
Leptospermum 'Nanum Ruru'

Leptospermum 'Nanum Ruru' is a compact NZ native shrub valued for its dense evergreen foliage, tidy rounded form, and masses of small flowers that...

From$27.53
Coprosma 'Beatson's Brown' small and glossy, brown foliage.
Coprosma 'Beatsons Brown'

Coprosma ‘Beatsons Brown’ is a hardy and attractive NZ native shrub valued for its rich bronze brown foliage and tidy rounded form. This colour rich...

From$17.95
Coprosma kirkii green foliage held on yellow stems.
Coprosma kirkii

Coprosma kirkii, commonly known as Creeping Coprosma, is a hardy NZ native groundcover shrub valued for its dense, trailing habit and small glossy...

From$17.95
Dysoxylum spectabile tree.
Dysoxylum spectabile (New Zealand Mahogany)

Dysoxylum spectabile, commonly known as Kohekohe, is a majestic NZ native tree admired for its glossy dark green leaves and clusters of fragrant...

From$323.65
Sophora longicarinata yellow flowers.
Sophora longicarinata (Limestone Kowhai)

Sophora longicarinata is a rare and beautiful NZ native tree belonging to the kowhai family. This evergreen to semi deciduous species is admired for...

From$323.65
Libocedrus plumosa (Kawaka) tree with green-yellow foliage.
Libocedrus plumosa (Kawaka)

Libocedrus plumosa, commonly known as Kawaka, is a majestic NZ native conifer valued for its graceful, feathery foliage and elegant pyramidal form...

From$323.65
phormium-veneer-
Phormium 'Veneer'

Phormium 'Veneer' is a striking NZ flax known for its upright, sword like leaves with rich bronze and green tones. This hardy evergreen adds bold...

From$14.95
magnolia-grandiflora-ferruginea-2
Magnolia grandiflora 'Ferruginea'

Magnolia grandiflora 'Ferruginea' is a magnificent evergreen magnolia known for its glossy green foliage, striking rusty brown leaf undersides, and...

From$515.35
grape-steubens--1
Grape 'Steubens'

Grape 'Steubens' is a popular table grape known for its sweet, juicy red berries and reliable performance in NZ gardens. This vigorous vine produces...

From$29.95
rubus-pentalobus-2
Rubus pentalobus (Creeping Raspberry)

Rubus pentalobus is a hardy, low growing groundcover known for its attractive textured foliage, small white flowers, and bright red berries. This...

From$35.81
Ginkgo Ming Princess small tree.
Ginkgo 'Ming Princess'

Ginkgo 'Ming Princess' is a compact, ornamental form of the ancient ginkgo tree, valued for its fan shaped leaves and brilliant golden yellow autumn...

From$270.40
Laurelia novae-zelandiae

Laurelia novae-zelandiae, commonly known as Pukatea, is a magnificent NZ native tree admired for its glossy green leaves, fluted trunk, and...

From$589.90
Feijoa 'Anatoki' fruit on a tree.
Feijoa 'Anatoki'

Feijoa 'Anatoki' is an early-season feijoa variety known for its reliable crops and flavourful, aromatic fruit. It’s a vigorous grower with dense...

From$35.81
olive-barnea-1
Olive 'Barnea'

Olive 'Barnea' is a high yielding olive tree valued for its versatility in both oil production and table olives. This evergreen tree features...

From$532.39
Cistus purpureus pink flowers with purple spots above green foliage.
Cistus purpureus

Cistus purpureus is a hardy evergreen shrub admired for its masses of large crinkled pink flowers with deep maroon markings and attractive grey green...

OUT OF STOCK
Cistus incanus pink flowers and green foliage.
Cistus incanus

Cistus incanus is a hardy evergreen shrub admired for its soft grey green foliage and masses of crinkled pink flowers that bloom through spring and...

OUT OF STOCK
cistus-silver-pink--1
Cistus Silver Pink

Cistus 'Silver Pink' is a hardy evergreen shrub admired for its soft silver green foliage and masses of delicate pink flowers that bloom freely...

OUT OF STOCK
cistus-pink-ice-
Cistus Pink Ice

Cistus 'Pink Ice' is a hardy evergreen shrub admired for its masses of soft pink flowers with delicate centres and attractive grey green foliage...

OUT OF STOCK
Cistus 'Bennetts White' (White Rock Rose)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Cistus, Coprosma, and Disphyma, or related Categories - Orange Trees, Grasses, and Groundcover Plants.

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Why Grow Cistus in NZ Gardens?

Cistus are a brilliant choice for New Zealand gardeners who value easy-care plants with striking visual appeal. Their evergreen, aromatic foliage forms a neat mound, sheltering precious soil and suppressing weeds. With their sun-loving nature and remarkable drought resistance, cistus thrive where other plants struggle, making them a superb fit for exposed sites, poor soils, coastal gardens, and low-water landscapes. The delicate, crepe-like flowers—ranging from white to vibrant magenta—create a spectacular show throughout late spring and early summer, attracting pollinators and adding vibrancy to your planting scheme.

Popular Cistus Varieties Available in NZ

Our selection of cistus cultivars provides a range of sizes, flower colours, and garden uses. For pure white, tissue-thin blooms framed by bold evergreen foliage, Cistus lusitanicus (Rock Rose) is a timeless favourite, offering scented flowers and a compact habit. Those looking to inject magenta or purple into their gardens might love Cistus crispus (Rock Rose), which boasts deep pink blooms with wavy edges.

For gardeners seeking standout cultivars with unique flower forms or coloration, Cistus 'Brilliancy' (Rock Rose) offers vibrant hues that draw the eye from across the garden. The striking Cistus 'Violetti' (Rock Rose) features rich violet-pink flowers, while Cistus 'Anne Palmer' (Rock Rose) reveals delicate white petals touched with maroon markings at the base.

Landscaping with Cistus in NZ

Easy-going yet show-stopping, cistus is ideal for mass planting on banks, rocky slopes, and hard-to-mow areas where ground cover and erosion control are desired. Their tolerance for poor soils and sea spray makes them star performers in coastal gardens or on exposed hillsides. Pair cistus with other Mediterranean plants like lavender, rosemary, or teucrium for a classic drought-tolerant border.

Cistus mixes beautifully with ornamental grasses and silver-foliaged natives, providing year-round contrast and bringing the rugged charm of the Mediterranean to your New Zealand landscape.

Caring for Cistus in NZ

One of the great joys of adding cistus to your NZ garden is their fuss-free nature. Plant cistus in full sun and free-draining soil; amend heavier soils with grit or sand if needed. Once established, cistus rarely need watering and detest wet feet, making them a smart pick for challenging, dry spots. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and promote new growth.

Explore our range of robust, beautiful cistus and bring effortless colour and Mediterranean allure to your New Zealand garden.

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.

Illustration of plant leaves.
You’ve probably heard of our garden favourites like Ficus benjamina 'Starlight' and Corokia 'Bronze King', but did you know we also grow hidden gems like Acer 'Orangeola', Westringia 'Smokey', and Camellia Slimline Avalanche?
–The Plant Company

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