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cistus species

Cistus species, also known as rock roses, are a diverse group of Mediterranean shrubs renowned for their resilience, beautiful flowers, and aromatic foliage. Perfect for New Zealand gardens, cistus species thrive in coastal, sunny, and dry environments, offering stunning ground cover and striking blooms in shades of pink, white, and purple. Their drought tolerance and ease of care make them a favourite among gardeners wanting low-maintenance, visually appealing landscapes. With numerous cistus species available, there’s an ideal choice for nearly every garden situation, from borders and rockeries to mass plantings and wildlife-friendly gardens.

Cistus salviifolius plant with lush green foliage and elegant, white flowers.

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 spring through summer. The contrast in colours between the flowers and foliage is quite aesthetic as it grows to 60 cm tall and 80 cm wide. Cistus salviifolius is often used for adding interest and texture to the garden. It is great for including in mixed borders, planting around outdoor living areas, or mass planting as a groundcover.

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
cistus-pink-ice-

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 flowers with darker spots from spring through summer above the grey-green foliage. It typically grows to 1.5 m tall and the same wide. Cistus Pink Ice 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.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 1.50 m
Spread: 1.50 m
Flowering time: Spring, Autumn, Winter
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Cottage, Frontyard, Mediterranean, Modern, Rock
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...

From$24.23
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...

From$24.23
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$24.23
Dianella 'Margaret Pringle' plant in a pot.

Dianella 'Margaret Pringle'

Dianella 'Margaret Pringle' bears spikes carrying delicate, blue flowers in spring, which are followed by small, blue berries in summer. These are...

From$18.83
Arctotis Mauve Delight purple flower.

Arctotis 'Mauve Delight' (African Daisy)

Arctotis 'Mauve Delight' is a vibrant and low growing perennial valued for its soft mauve daisy like flowers and attractive silver green foliage...

From$21.53
Pittosporum ralphii olive-green foliage.

Pittosporum ralphii (Ralphs Karo)

Pittosporum ralphii is a hardy, evergreen native shrub or small tree ideal for hedging, screening, and native planting projects across New Zealand...

From$25.58
Acer griseum specimen tree in a park.

Acer griseum

Acer griseum (Paperbark Maple) is a highly sought after deciduous tree prized for its beautiful peeling cinnamon coloured bark and outstanding autumn...

From$252.95
Hoheria populnea green foliage with white flowers.

Hoheria populnea

Hoheria populnea, commonly known as New Zealand Lacebark, is a graceful native tree admired for its beauty and resilience. It produces masses of...

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Libertia paniculata plant with white flowers.

Libertia paniculata (Grass Flag)

Libertia paniculata is an elegant evergreen perennial admired for its fine, upright foliage and delicate white flowers that appear in airy clusters...

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Grevillea poorinda 'Royal Mantle' dark pink flowers with lush, green foliage.

Grevillea 'Royal Mantle'

Grevillea 'Royal Mantle' is a vigorous groundcover Grevillea known for its sprawling habit and masses of brilliant red spider like flowers. Flowering...

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Juncus pallidus (Giant Rush) plants in a landscaped garden.

Juncus pallidus (Giant Rush)

Juncus pallidus, commonly known as the Giant Rush, features erect, dark green leaves and grows as a tidy clump, reaching approximately 75 cm in...

From$16.13
Juncus edgariae (Wiwi) plants growing in a wetland.

Juncus edgariae (Edgar's Rush)

Juncus edgariae, commonly known as Wiwi, is the most prevalent species of Rush in New Zealand and grows as a tight clump with bright green, stem-like...

From$16.13
A Sophora chathamica tree growing in a garden with green foliage.

Sophora chathamica

Sophora chathamica (Coastal Kōwhai) is a stunning New Zealand native tree known for its masses of bright yellow flowers that appear in early spring...

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Hoheria angustifolia green foliage with masses of white flowers.

Hoheria angustifolia

Hoheria angustifolia, commonly known as Houhere or Narrow leaved Lacebark, is a fast growing New Zealand native tree admired for its graceful form...

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Typha orientalis (Raupo) plants with brown seed heads.

Typha orientalis (Raupō)

Typha orientalis, commonly known as Raupo, is a vigorous and erect, NZ native grass. It is found throughout New Zealand in shallow, fertile waters...

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Sophora microphylla specimen tree covered in yellow flowers.

Sophora microphylla (Small Leaved Kōwhai)

Sophora microphylla, commonly known as Weeping Kowhai, is a treasured New Zealand native tree admired for its graceful, drooping branches and masses...

A large Dacrycarpus dacrydioides (Kahikatea) tree.

Dacrycarpus dacrydioides (Kahikatea)

Dacrycarpus dacrydioides, commonly known as Kahikatea or White Pine, is a slow-growing, NZ native tree capable of reaching 50 m tall. The foliage on...

From$205.02
Juncus maritimus (Sea Rush) plants growing in saline water.

Juncus maritimus (Sea Rush)

Juncus maritimus, commonly known as Sea Rush, is a species of rush that prevails in coastal areas. It has long and rigid leaves that are lime-green...

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A Metrosideros robusta (Northern Rata) tree in full flower in a native reserve.

Metrosideros robusta

Metrosideros robusta, commonly known as Northern Rata, is a majestic New Zealand native tree renowned for its brilliant red flowers and large...

From$358.98
A large Agathis australis (Kauri tree) in a native reserve.

Agathis australis (New Zealand Kauri)

Agathis australis, commonly known as the Kauri tree, is a revered New Zealand native conifer renowned for its immense size and longevity. Reaching...

Large Coprosma virescens shrub with brown stems and green leaves.

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
Hedycarya arborea tree with lush green foliage.

Hedycarya arborea

Hedycarya arborea, commonly known as Pigeonwood, is a New Zealand native tree valued for its attractive foliage and wildlife benefits. This evergreen...

From$468.56
Pittosporum 'Limelight' variegated foliage.

Pittosporum 'Limelight' (Kohuhu)

Pittosporum 'Limelight' is a NZ native shrub that features dark green leaves with a lime green centre, held densely on upright stems. This evergreen...

From$229.04
Alnus glutinosa imperialis young specimen tree with fine green foliage.

Alnus glutinosa 'Imperialis'

Alnus glutinosa Imperialis is a striking and finely textured alder valued for its elegant foliage and reliable performance in New Zealand landscapes...

From$271.80
Chionochloa flavicans (Miniature ToeToe) plants with cascading cream-coloured flowers.

Chionochloa flavicans (Miniature Toetoe)

Chionochloa flavicans, commonly known as Miniature ToeToe or Dwarf Toe Toe, is a highly popular NZ native grass. It has flowing, green foliage and...

From$9.01
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$358.98
Pittosporum eugenioides tree with lush, dark green foliage and cream-coloured flowers.

Pittosporum eugenioides (Tarata)

Pittosporum eugenioides, commonly known as Tarata or Lemonwood, is a fast-growing native New Zealand tree valued for its glossy green leaves and...

From$21.53
A large Prumnopitys ferruginea (Miro Tree) with lush, green foliage.

Prumnopitys ferruginea

Prumnopitys ferruginea, commonly known as Miro, is a majestic New Zealand native tree belonging to the Podocarp family. This long lived evergreen...

From$453.48
Phyllocladus trichomanoides lush green foliage.

Phyllocladus trichomanoides (Celery Pine)

Phyllocladus trichomanoides, commonly called Celery Pine, is a striking New Zealand native tree valued for its unique, celery like foliage and tall...

From$457.29
Ribes rubrum red berries on a shrub.

Ribes rubrum

Ribes rubrum is a productive red currant species valued for its bright, tangy berries and reliable performance in NZ gardens. It forms a tidy shrub...

From$29.63
Cistus salviifolius

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You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acer, Agathis, Alnus, Arctotis, Chionochloa, Cistus, Coprosma, Dacrycarpus, Dianella, Grevillea, Hedycarya, Hoheria, Juncus, Libertia, Metrosideros, Phyllocladus, Pittosporum, Prumnopitys, Ribes Sophora and Typha, or related Categories - Currants, Flaxes, Grasses, Groundcover Plants, Perennials, Evergreen Shrubs, Deciduous Trees Evergreen Trees and Maple Tree.

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Popular Cistus Species for New Zealand Gardens

Cistus species have a unique charm, delivering bursts of colour and texture throughout spring and summer. Here, we highlight some of the most popular and reliable cistus varieties you can introduce to your garden:

Cistus salviifolius

Cistus salviifolius is celebrated for its sage-like leaves and crisp white flowers with delicate yellow centers. This compact shrub is perfect for ground cover or edging paths, and its ability to withstand wind and dry conditions makes it an adaptable choice for coastal gardens.

Cistus ladanifer

The spectacular Cistus ladanifer stands out with its large, pure white petals and distinctive maroon blotches. Known for its aromatic resin, this cistus species adds a dramatic touch to shrub borders and is ideal for sunny, well-drained sites.

Cistus Silver Pink

For a softer look in your garden, consider Cistus Silver Pink. This species boasts silvery foliage and pale pink flowers, creating a gentle contrast in mixed plantings. Its resilience and versatility make it a wonderful addition to both formal and naturalistic settings.

Cistus incanus

Cistus incanus is prized for its bright magenta blooms and medicinal properties. This vigorous cistus species attracts pollinators and thrives in challenging spots where other shrubs may struggle. Its tough nature and vibrant flowers make it a standout performer in exposed locations.

Cistus purpureus

The showy Cistus purpureus is loved for its rich purple-pink blossoms, which bring bold colour to garden beds and borders. Its evergreen habit and tolerance of poor soils make it perfect for water-wise or Mediterranean-style landscapes.

How to Grow and Use Cistus Species

Cistus species are best planted in full sun and well-drained soil. They require little water once established, making them ideal for drought-prone areas. Avoid heavy pruning, as cistus shrubs prefer a light trim after flowering. Their nectar-rich blooms naturally attract bees and butterflies, providing habitat for local wildlife. Cistus species work beautifully in mixed shrub borders, coastal plantings, and gravel gardens, or as hardy ground covers under trees.

If you’re looking for tough, beautiful, and easy-care shrubs for your New Zealand garden, cistus species are a superb choice. Explore our range of cistus species and find the perfect addition for your outdoor space.


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