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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 '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
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$24.77
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
pimelea-mimosa--1
Pimelea mimosa

Pimelea mimosa is an attractive evergreen shrub valued for its fine textured foliage, compact growth habit, and clusters of delicate flowers. This...

From$15.95
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$26.15
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$249.95
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...

From$16.50
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
Leptospermum 'Burgundy Queen' double red flowers.
Leptospermum 'Burgundy Queen'

Leptospermum 'Burgundy Queen' is a stunning evergreen shrub admired for its profusion of double burgundy red flowers that appear from spring through...

From$27.53
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$16.49
Beilschmiedia tarairi (Taraire) trees growing in a modern garden.
Beilschmiedia tarairi (Taraire)

Beilschmiedia tarairi, commonly known as the Taraire tree, is a unique, NZ native tree. Its prominent feature is the masses of olive-like, purple...

From$270.40
Ficinia nodosa (Knobby Club Rush) plants growing in sand and displaying lush, green foliage.
Ficinia nodosa (Knobby Club Rush)

Ficinia nodosa, commonly known as Knobby Club Rush, is a NZ native grass that features stout, mid-green foliage. In cold or exposed climates, the...

From$14.84
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...

From$323.65
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...

From$19.25
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...

From$14.84
Sophora tetraptera (Large-leaved Kowhai) yellow flowers.
Sophora tetraptera (Large Leaved Kōwhai)

Sophora tetraptera, commonly known as the Large Leaved Kowhai, is a striking New Zealand native tree admired for its bold foliage and spectacular...

From$24.15
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...

From$28.91
An immaculate Fine Fescue lawn in a modern and formal garden.
Fine Fescue Lawn Seed

Fine Fescue lawn seed is ideal for homeowners seeking a lush, fine-textured lawn that thrives in shaded areas and requires minimal maintenance. This...

From$48.49
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$323.65
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...

From$34.95
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$494.05
fraxinus-ornus-2
Fraxinus ornus

Fraxinus ornus (Flowering Ash) is an elegant deciduous tree admired for its fragrant creamy white flower clusters that appear in late spring and...

From$387.55
Aristotelia serrata (Wineberry) tree with masses of black berries.
Aristotelia serrata (Wineberry)

Aristotelia serrata, commonly known as Wineberry or Makomako, is a fast-growing, deciduous native tree of New Zealand. It features serrated green...

From$22.01
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$22.01
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$323.65
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$15.04
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$408.85
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$515.35
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$30.29
A Kikuyu grass lawn bordered by a garden.
Pure Kikuyu Seed

Kikuyu grass is suited to warmer regions and coastal areas where hot and humid summers are less well suited to other turf species. The variety of...

From$71.40
An exquisite Tall Fescue lawn.
Tall Fescue

Tall Fescue is an excellent lawn grass choice for New Zealand homeowners seeking a dark green, tough, and attractive lawn. It is widely used by ready...

From$13.46
Cistus 'Bennetts White' (White Rock Rose)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acer, Cistus, and Leptospermum, or related Categories - Groundcover Plants, Perennials, and Evergreen Shrubs.

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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.

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.
Rosmarinus prostratus (Creeping Rosemary) and Griselinia 'Canterbury' are classic choices, but adventurous gardeners will enjoy Acer palmatum 'Seiryu', Sophora godleyi (Godleys Kowhai), and Camellia 'Pure Silk'.
–The Plant Company

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