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cistus plant

The cistus plant, also commonly known as rock rose, is a striking evergreen shrub that’s perfectly suited for New Zealand gardens. With its vibrant, papery blooms and aromatic foliage, the cistus plant is a standout for dry, sunny spaces and Mediterranean-inspired landscapes. Ideal for gardeners seeking resilient, low-maintenance beauty, cistus offers an impressive display of colour from late spring to early summer, attracting pollinators and offering year-round structure. Whether you’re new to the genus or searching for the ideal plant to brighten your borders, the cistus plant brings a distinctive charm and enduring performance to any outdoor setting.

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
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 spring through summer. Its grey-green foliage forms a neat, mounded habit, offering year-round structure and texture.

From $24.77

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 1.00 m
Spread: 1.00 m
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, 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...

From$24.77
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Clianthus puniceus (Parrot Beak Plant)

Clianthus puniceus (Kakabeak) is a spectacular New Zealand native shrub renowned for its striking clusters of brilliant red, beak shaped flowers that...

From$44.09
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
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Zamioculcas Black Knight (Zamioculcas Plant)

Zamioculcas Black Knight is a very popular indoor plant owing to its dark and showy foliage. It grows as a clump and produces upright fronds which...

From$41.33
Juncus effusus plants growing in water.
Juncus effusus (Soft Rush Plant)

Juncus effusus (Spiral Rush) is an eye catching rush valued for its distinctive twisting green stems, compact clumping habit, and strong...

From$16.49
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Shadecloth - 70% Shade (Shade Cloth For Plants)

This shade cloth for plants, which is also used as plant windbreaks, reduces light levels and windspeeds by 70%. Therefore, 30% of the wind or light...

From$499.80
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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...

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A strong and studry planting spade.
Ace1 Planting Spade

The Ace 1 planting spade is a must for any gardener. This spade is designed so it can penetrate the ground easily without jarring the wrists in the...

From$225.86
Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant) bright red foliage.
Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant)

Sedum rubrotinctum, commonly known as Jelly Bean Plant or Pork and Beans Plant, is a compact, low-growing succulent reaching 15–20 cm tall and...

From$21.39
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0.5 Litre Plant Pots

0.5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical choice for growing young plants, herbs, seedlings, and smaller ornamentals. Their compact size makes them ideal...

From$23.04
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Native Plant Fertiliser (Native Fertiliser)

Selecting the correct native plant fertiliser is essential as they often tend to be slow growing and so require a tailored nutrient plan to meet...

From$16.95
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3.5 Litre Plant Pots

3.5 Litre Plant Pots are a versatile choice for growing shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and other established plants. They provide generous root...

From$48.96
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2.5 Litre Plant Pots

2.5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical option for growing shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and other developing plants. They provide ample root...

From$37.44
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1.5 Litre Plant Pots

1.5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical choice for growing young shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and other developing plants. They provide useful...

From$27.36
White waterproof paper plant tags for sale.
Waterproof Paper Plant Tags

Waterproof Paper Plant Tags provide a practical way to label plants, trays, pots, and nursery stock while resisting moisture during everyday growing...

From$26.78
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10 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

From$5.76
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Indoor Plant Fertiliser Tablets

Indoor plants require feeding from the time you get them home as nurseries typically only put enough fertiliser in the pots to last 4-8 weeks after...

From$34.95
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5 Litre Plant Pots

5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical choice for growing larger shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and young trees. They provide generous root space to...

From$79.20
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Fertiliser for acid loving plants

Fertiliser for acid loving plants provides targeted nutrition for plants that perform best in acidic soil conditions. It helps support healthy...

From$7.95
Plant watering bottle for watering a plant on a shelf.
Plant Watering Bottle

Plant Watering Bottles provide a simple and convenient way to deliver water directly to indoor plants, seedlings, cuttings, and small container...

From$55.13
Moss pole for plants.
Moss Pole For Plants (Moss Pole For Plants)

These moss poles for plants are made from Coir Fibre (i.e., the husks of coconuts). They are an eco-friendly option to help plants grow healthier and...

From$6.90
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Agave americana 'Variegata' (Variegated Century Plant)

Agave americana 'Variegata' is a striking evergreen succulent valued for its bold architectural form and strongly variegated foliage. It forms a...

From$15.95
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Indoor Plant Fertiliser

All potted plants require indoor plant fertiliser. This is particularly important as many nurseries only put enough fertiliser in the pots to last...

From$16.95
Cistus 'Sunset' pink flowers above olive-green foliage.
Cistus 'Sunset' (Rock Rose)

The Cistus 'Sunset' plant, commonly known as Rock Rose, is grown for its hardy nature and pretty flowers. This evergreen shrub produces single...

OUT OF STOCK
Cistus crispus plant with pink flowers and lush, green foliage.
Cistus crispus (Rock Rose)

Cistus crispus, commonly known as Rock Rose, is grown for its pretty flowers in near arid conditions. This variety is evergreen shrub with a rounded...

OUT OF STOCK
cistus-ladanifer--1
Cistus ladanifer

Cistus ladanifer, commonly known as the Crimson-Spot Rockrose, features white flowers with dark crimson spots which are borne from late spring...

OUT OF STOCK
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
An elegant Cistus lusitanicus white flower with red spots.
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...

OUT OF STOCK
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Cistus Pink Silk

Cistus Pink Silk, commonly known as the Pink Rock Rose plant, is able to produce pretty flowers in near arid conditions. This variety bears small...

OUT OF STOCK
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Cistus Yellow Fever

Cistus 'Yellow Fever' is a hardy evergreen shrub admired for its bright yellow flowers and dense grey green foliage. Flowering generously through...

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

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You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Cistus, Clianthus, and Disphyma, or related Categories - Shadecloth & Windbreak, Spades, and Grasses.

Search cistus plant

Why Choose a Cistus Plant?

Selecting a cistus plant is a smart choice for New Zealand gardeners due to its remarkable drought tolerance, easy care, and ability to thrive in poor, sandy soils. The cistus isn’t fussy about neglect; once established, this shrub requires minimal watering and thrives with little intervention, making it perfect for low-maintenance gardens or coastal environments. Its evergreen foliage provides interest throughout the year, while the delicate, crinkled flowers bloom prolifically, often in shades of white, pink, or magenta.

Popular Varieties of Cistus Plant

Cistus offers a diverse range of species and cultivars, ensuring there’s a variety to suit every garden style. For classic Mediterranean flair, the Cistus incanus is a favourite, known for its silvery leaves and vivid pink flowers. If you prefer dramatic blooms, Cistus ladanifer stands out with its large white flowers highlighted by striking purple-maroon spots at the base of each petal. The Cistus lusitanicus (Rock Rose) offers an abundance of smaller white blooms and forms a handsome evergreen mound. For softer shades, Cistus Pink Silk enchants with delicate pale pink petals, while Cistus Silver Pink combines silver-green foliage with pastel pink flowers, adding subtle elegance to any border.

Planting and Caring for Your Cistus Plant

One of the greatest advantages of the cistus plant is its hardiness and adaptability. Cistus thrives best in full sun and well-drained soil, preferring a position where its roots can remain dry during the winter. Avoid heavy, waterlogged areas, as these conditions can cause root rot. When planting, dig a hole twice as wide as the plant’s container and backfill with free-draining mix. Space plants at least one metre apart to allow their natural bushy habit to develop.

Cistus is generally pest-free and seldom requires pruning; however, a light trim after flowering will help maintain a tidy shape and encourage bushier growth. Avoid cutting into old wood, as cistus resents hard pruning. Mulching around the base will help conserve soil moisture and deter weeds without smothering the plant’s crown.

Using Cistus Plant in Your Garden

The cistus plant is exceptionally versatile. It’s ideal for coastal gardens, gravel beds, sunny slopes, and Mediterranean-style plantings. Arrange cistus with lavenders, rosemary, and ornamental grasses for a truly sun-loving border, or use as an architectural feature in rock gardens. With its bold flowers and attractive foliage, cistus is also an excellent choice for mass planting along a driveway or boundary where minimal maintenance is required.

Explore our wide selection of cistus plants, including Cistus incanus, Cistus ladanifer, Cistus lusitanicus (Rock Rose), Cistus Pink Silk, and Cistus Silver Pink, and discover how these stunning shrubs can transform your garden with their enduring Mediterranean beauty.

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.
We all know Chlorophytum comosum 'Variegatum' and Ficus 'Black Knight', but the real surprises come from plants like Callistemon viminalis, Fuscospora cliffortioides, and Buxus microphylla 'Independence'.
–The Plant Company

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