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yellow rock rose

The yellow rock rose is a standout feature in New Zealand gardens, admired for its cheerful blossoms and resilience in tough conditions. With its bright yellow blooms and neat mounding form, this striking shrub brings long-lasting colour to rocky landscapes, mixed borders, and coastal gardens. If you've been searching for a plant that thrives in full sun, copes beautifully with dry soils, and adds instant sparkle to your landscape, the yellow rock rose is an excellent choice. Read on for expert tips on growing, caring for, and pairing this sunny perennial with other plants for a truly eye-catching display.

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 late spring and early summer. Its aromatic, grey-green foliage provides year-round interest, while its compact, rounded habit makes it ideal for low-maintenance landscapes. Hardy and drought-tolerant, this Rock Rose thrives in sunny, well-drained locations, offering gardeners an easy-care option that delivers brilliant seasonal colour in challenging conditions.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 1.20 m
Spread: 1.20 m
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Modern, Rock
Portulaca Pazzaz Yellow plant with beautiful yellow flowers.

Portulaca Pazzaz Yellow (Yellow Portulaca)

Portulaca Pazazz Yellow, commonly known as the Moss Rose plant, is a low-growing perennial with fabulous flowers. Showy, yellow flowers are produced continuously through spring and summer off trailing, succulent stems which are host small, green leaves. It typically grows to 15 cm tall and 50 cm wide. Portulaca Pazazz Yellow is commonly mass planted in borders, planted to trail over the side of wall or spill out onto a path, included in rock gardens, planted around outdoor living areas, or maintained in a container.

Suited to regions: Subtropical
Plant type: Perennials
Height: 15 cm
Spread: 50 cm
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Tolerances: Extended dry periods
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Rock, Tropical
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Genista 'Yellow Imp'

Genista Yellow Imp (Yellow Broom) is a bright and cheerful evergreen shrub admired for its masses of vivid yellow flowers that cover the plant in...

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Rosa banksiae 'Lutea' growing on a pergola and featuring masses of stunning yellow flowers.

Rosa banksiae 'Lutea' (Banksia Rose)

Rosa banksiae 'Lutea' (Yellow Banksia Rose) is a stunning climbing rose admired for its masses of soft yellow double flowers produced in spring. This...

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Rose Diamonds Forever

Rose Diamonds Forever is a popular shrub rose that features masses fragrant, soft-yellow flowers. The showy blooms emerge in spring and continue...

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Portulaca Pazzaz Sunset (Moss Rose Plant)

Portulaca Pazazz Sunset, commonly known as the Moss Rose plant, is a low-growing perennial with fabulous flowers. Bright orange and yellow flowers...

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Geum Tempo Yellow

Geum Tempo Yellow, commonly known as Tempo Yellow Avens, is grown for its stunning flowers from late spring through summer. This variety produces...

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Hibiscus 'Macdelveons Yellow'

Hibiscus 'Macdelveons Yellow' is a brilliant flowering shrub that delivers large clear yellow blooms with strong garden presence. Flowering...

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Strelitzia Mandelas Gold (Yellow Crane Flower)

Strelitzia reginae Mandelas Gold, commonly known as Yellow Crane Flower or Yellow Bird Of Paradise, produces spectacular yellow flowers through...

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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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Helleborus Yellow Hybrid (Hellebore)

Helleborus Yellow Hybrid is a cheerful winter-flowering perennial that produces soft yellow blooms from mid to late winter. Ideal for brightening...

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Rose Flower Carpet Gold

Rose Flower Carpet Gold is a popular ground cover rose that features masses of showy, yellow flowers. Flowering begins in spring and will continue...

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Camellia japonica 'Jurys' Yellow' flowers with dark green foliage.

Camellia japonica 'Jurys Yellow'

Camellia japonica Jury's Yellow is an evergreen shrub that features showy, double, cream-coloured flowers through winter and spring. These...

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Weigela Wine And Roses (Wine & Roses Weigela)

Weigela Wine and Roses is grown for its foliage and flowers. This deciduous, compact shrub produces small and burgundy-coloured leaves which are held...

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Camellia 'Brushfields Yellow'

Camellia 'Brushfields Yellow' is a highly sought after evergreen shrub admired for its creamy white outer petals surrounding a soft yellow petaloid...

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Serissa Snowflake, commonly known as the Snow Rose plant, is an evergreen shrub grown for its lovely flowering and foliage. Showy, white flowers...

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Rose Albertine

Rose Albertine is a climbing rose featuring very showy, salmon-pink flowers. The highly fragrant blooms emerge in spring and continue until autumn...

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Rose 'Desiree' pink flowers.

Rose 'Desiree'

Rose 'Desiree' is a beautifully refined rose known for soft pastel blooms, gentle fragrance and repeat flowering through the warmer months in New...

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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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Coprosma Red Rocks with colourful foliage in a garden.

Coprosma 'Red Rocks'

Coprosma 'Red Rocks' is a hardy NZ native shrub known for its rich red toned foliage and tough spreading habit. Naturally found in coastal...

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Rose Ginger Kisses

Rose Ginger Kisses is a popular shrub rose that features gorgeous, burnt orange flowers. The fragrant blooms emerge in spring and continue until...

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An informal hedge of 'Iceberg' rose plants with masses of white flowers.

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Rosa ‘Iceberg’, one of the world’s most popular roses, is a reliable floribunda variety producing masses of pure white, lightly fragrant blooms from...

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Helleborus orientalis with colourful pink flowers.

Helleborus orientalis (Lenten Rose)

Helleborus orientalis, commonly known as Lenten Rose, is a hardy perennial prized for its elegant winter and early spring blooms. Flowers appear in...

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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...

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Rose Cecil Brunner

Rose Cecile Brunner is a climbing variety that produces masses of mid-sized, double, light pink flowers. The flowers are borne in large, loose...

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Canna 'Tropical Yellow' yellow flowers above lush, green foliage.

Canna 'Tropical Yellow'

Canna 'Tropical Yellow' is a vivid flowering perennial that brings bright golden blooms and lush green foliage to New Zealand gardens through summer...

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Rose Ann Turner

Rose Ann Turner is a climbing rose that features masses of double, pink flowers. The blooms emerge in spring and continue until autumn provided the...

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Rhododendron 'Java Rose' rose-pink flowers.

Rhododendron 'Java Rose'

Rhododendron 'Java Rose' is a beautiful evergreen shrub known for its large trusses of soft rose pink flowers that appear during spring. The elegant...

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Gaura Steffi Dark Rose

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Canna Cannova Rose

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Iris Rose Queen (Japanese Water Iris)

“Rose Queen” is a variety of Japanese Water Iris that produces spectacular flowers. The showy, two-tone pink blooms are borne atop sturdy stems in...

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Lavender 'Lavish Rose' soft-pink flowers.

Lavender 'Lavish Rose'

Lavender 'Lavish Rose' is a compact and beautifully flowering lavender that produces masses of soft rose coloured blooms above aromatic grey green...

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Cistus 'Brilliancy' (Rock Rose)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Camellia, Canna, Cistus, Coprosma, Gaura, Genista, Geum, Helleborus, Hibiscus, iceberg-roses, Iris, Lavender, Portulaca, Rhododendron, Rosa, Rose, Serissa Strelitzia and Weigela, or related Categories - Perennials, Iris Plants, Bush Roses, Carpet Roses, Climbing Roses Deciduous Shrubs and Evergreen Shrubs.

Search yellow rock rose

What Is a Yellow Rock Rose?

The yellow rock rose typically refers to drought-tolerant shrubs in the genus Cistus that display vivid yellow flowers through the warm months. These Mediterranean natives are a perfect match for New Zealand's dry summers and coastal climates. Their blooms often appear in clusters atop grey-green foliage, creating a contrast that’s both striking and soothing. One popular variety is Cistus 'Brilliancy' (Rock Rose), known for its resilient nature and generous flowering.

Why Choose Yellow Rock Rose for Your Garden?

Gardeners prize yellow rock rose for several compelling reasons. Its ability to thrive with minimal care makes it ideal for those wanting low-maintenance beauty. This shrub’s dense, evergreen growth habit helps suppress weeds, while its vivid colour offers fantastic pollinator support, attracting bees and butterflies throughout the season. Yellow rock rose is also deer-resistant and wind-tolerant—a wonderful fit for exposed garden spots or as an anchor in wild, naturalistic designs.

Planting and Care Guide

To get the best from your yellow rock rose, plant it in full sun and well-drained soils. Once established, water deeply but infrequently, letting the roots seek out moisture beneath the surface. Little to no fertiliser is required, as rich soils can actually lead to leggier growth and fewer flowers. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a compact shape, avoiding harsh cuts that may impact next season’s blooms. With this simple care, your yellow rock rose will reward you with years of cheerful colour.

Best Companions for Yellow Rock Rose

Complement your yellow rock rose with other sun-loving and rugged plants for a cohesive landscape. For even more golden tones, try Portulaca Pazzaz Yellow (Yellow Portulaca), a vibrant perennial that’s just as drought-tolerant and low-care. Shrubs like Genista 'Yellow Imp' offer a similar sunny palette and can create layered interest alongside your rock roses. If you love the classic look of climbing roses, add the buttery blooms of Rosa banksiae 'Lutea' (Banksia Rose) nearby for delicate spring fragrance and cascading colour. For all-season brightness, Rose Diamonds Forever is another outstanding companion.

Add a Touch of Sunshine to Your Landscape

Incorporating the yellow rock rose into your New Zealand garden is a surefire way to bring light and vitality to any outdoor space. Whether mass planted on a sunny bank, dotted throughout a rockery, or used as a resilient border shrub, its spirited blooms never fail to delight. Pair with complementary yellow-flowering plants and tough evergreens for year-round structure and seasonal highlights. Explore our range of related plants to create a sunny, sustainable landscape that will thrive for years to come.


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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.

You’ve probably heard of our garden favourites like Ficus Black Knight and Rose 'Flower Carpet White', but did you know we also grow hidden gems like Dianella Goddess, Griselinia littoralis, and Hydrangea serrata Preziosa?
–The Plant Company

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