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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: 1.00 m
Spread: 1.20 m
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, 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: 1.25 m
Spread: 1.75 m
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses: Living areas, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Rock
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Cistus crispus plant with pink flowers and lush, green foliage.
Cistus crispus (Rock Rose)

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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Cistus 'Brilliancy' plant with pink flowers and green foliage.
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...

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Cistus Anne Palmer pink flower.
Cistus 'Anne Palmer' (Rock Rose)

Cistus 'Anne Palmer' is a stunning evergreen shrub admired for its large soft pink flowers marked with deep maroon centres. Blooming through late...

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...

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Cistus violetti dark pink flower.
Cistus 'Violetti' (Rock Rose)

Cistus 'Violetti' is a striking evergreen shrub celebrated for its profusion of vivid purple-pink flowers with contrasting yellow centres. Blooming...

OUT OF STOCK
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Cistus ladanifer

Cistus ladanifer, commonly known as the Crimson Spot Rockrose, this is a low growing shrub featuring dark green foliage and lovely flowers. Pure...

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

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You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Cistus, and Kniphofia, or related Categories - Plant Labels, Plant pots, and Spades.

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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.

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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 Buxus sempervirens (Boxwood) and Gardenia radicans, but the real surprises come from plants like Ophiopogon 'Silver Mist' (Silver Mondo Grass), Koelreuteria paniculata, and Epipremnum 'Golden Queen'.
–The Plant Company

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